#106 - Can A Sleeping Pill Help Fight Alzheimer’s?

74 snips

Sep 1, 2025

Matt dives into the fascinating connection between sleep and Alzheimer’s, highlighting how the brain’s glymphatic system cleanses harmful proteins during deep sleep. He uncovers the dangers of chronic sleep deprivation, which can exacerbate cognitive decline. Exciting research on new sleep medications, particularly orexin antagonists, suggests they may enhance this cleaning process and offer neuroprotection. Findings indicate these drugs could potentially improve Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Prioritizing high-quality sleep emerges as a vital strategy for long-term brain health.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Deep Sleep Powers Brain Cleansing

Deep sleep activates the glymphatic system which expands intercellular spaces and flushes waste from the brain.
Amyloid beta clearance doubles during deep sleep, linking sleep depth directly to toxin removal.

INSIGHT

Sleep Loss Raises Alzheimer’s Proteins

Even a single night of sleep loss raises Alzheimer's-related proteins like tau and amyloid beta.
Chronic insufficient sleep likely allows progressive protein accumulation that increases dementia risk over decades.

ADVICE

Prioritize Seven To Eight Hours

Aim for seven to eight hours of nightly sleep to minimize long-term dementia risk.
Treat sleep with the same priority as diet and exercise for lifelong brain health.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Matt explores the critical link between sleep and Alzheimer's disease today, explaining how the brain’s "glymphatic system" clears toxic proteins like amyloid and tau during deep sleep. He describes how insufficient sleep impairs this process, creating a vicious cycle where protein accumulation damages sleep-generating brain regions and increases dementia risk.

Matt goes on to discuss groundbreaking research on a new class of sleeping pills, Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs), that may enhance this cleaning mechanism. While preliminary human and animal studies show these drugs can reduce toxic proteins and offer neuroprotection, the findings underscore the profound importance of prioritizing high-quality sleep as a powerful, accessible tool for ensuring long-term brain health.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

One of this week's sponsors, LMNT, offers a science-based electrolyte drink with no sugar or artificial ingredients. Try their new limited-time Lemonade Salt flavor, available May 20th! Get eight free sample packs with any order at drinklmnt.com/mattwalker. Stock up on this summer flavor while it lasts!

Another sponsor, Shopify, made launching Matt's merchandise incredibly smooth with its integrated sales system. Shopify simplifies everything from online stores to in-person sales. Start your exclusive trial and see for yourself at shopify.com/mattwalker.

In a supplement industry where trust is critical, Matt uses podcast partner Puori. Their protein powders are free from hormones, GMOs, and pesticides, with every single batch third-party tested for over 200 contaminants. For protein you can trust, save 20% at puori.com/mattwalker.

As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt:

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3FB1fOtY4Vd8yqLaUvolg