The Brain Glymphatic System – A Beginner’s Guide
Neurochem Res. 2015 Dec; 40(12): 2583–2599.
Key Takeaways: The Glymphatic System—Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think
The glymphatic system is the brain’s waste clearance network, using fluid channels surrounding blood vessels to remove toxins, including proteins linked to neuroinflammation.
This system is mainly active during sleep—especially deep, slow-wave sleep—and is largely shut down during wakefulness.
It not only clears waste but helps distribute essential compounds like glucose, amino acids, and neuromodulators across the brain.
Impaired glymphatic function is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, and stroke, suggesting its central role in brain health and repair.
These findings support the idea that sleep is not just restorative—it’s essential for detoxifying the brain and maintaining neurological balance.
