Does good sleep insulate the brain against Alzheimer's? | Erin Gibson
Mar 6, 2025
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, Erin Gibson, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford and a researcher on myelin's impact on brain health, tackles the pivotal role of sleep in cognitive function and Alzheimer's risk. She reveals how age-related changes in sleep patterns, like increased napping, could serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative diseases. Gibson's research also uncovers myelin's potential as a missing link in understanding brain insulation and health, emphasizing the need to view our nightly rest as vital for long-term cognitive resilience.
Sleep is vital for maintaining brain health and may serve as an early warning sign for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Disruptions in circadian rhythms can impair myelin production, linking sleep quality to cognitive function and overall brain wellness.
Deep dives
The Interplay of Dopamine and Serotonin in Learning
Research indicates that dopamine and serotonin work together to influence behavior and learning. Scientists have discovered that these neurotransmitters change in opposite directions when an animal learns about rewards; dopamine levels increase while serotonin levels decrease. This finding was made possible through a genetically engineered mouse model that allowed researchers to observe the simultaneous activity of both systems. The study underscores the need for a balanced interplay between dopamine and serotonin for effective learning, suggesting potential implications for treating addiction and depression by focusing on the interaction rather than isolating one neurotransmitter.
Sleep's Role in Brain Health and Neurodegenerative Disease
Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health, impacting memory consolidation, brain development, and overall mental function. Disruptions in sleep patterns, particularly as people age, may serve as early warning signs for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Notably, recent studies suggest that difficulties in maintaining normal sleep cycles and increased daytime napping can precede cognitive decline. This relationship highlights the possibility of addressing sleep disturbances as a preventive strategy in mitigating the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Circadian Rhythms and Myelin-forming Glial Cells
Circadian rhythms significantly influence myelin-forming glial cells, which are vital for proper nerve signal transmission. Disruptions to these rhythms may result in impaired myelin production and increased sleep fragmentation, which are associated with higher risks of neurodegenerative diseases. Research suggests that older individuals may experience a regression in their circadian sleep patterns, leading to an increased propensity for napping during the day. This age-related disruption not only affects sleep quality but also links to the deterioration of brain health through compromised myelin function.
Potential Therapeutic Approaches and Sleep Hygiene
Emerging research emphasizes the importance of adopting chronotherapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative disorders linked to sleep and myelin production. Interventions may include timing pharmacological treatments to align with natural circadian rhythms, enhancing their efficacy. Additionally, maintaining good sleep hygiene practices can bolster brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Simple lifestyle changes, such as exposure to morning sunlight and minimizing light exposure at night, can significantly improve sleep quality and mental health outcomes.
We're kicking off our new season with a deep dive into one of neuroscience's most fascinating mysteries: sleep. This unconscious third of our lives isn't just about rest – it's absolutely critical for brain health, memory consolidation, and overall well-being. But here's where it gets intriguing: recent research suggests that increased napping as we age might be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease.
To unpack this complex relationship, we're thrilled to welcome back Erin Gibson, assistant professor of psychiatry at Stanford School of Medicine and Wu Tsai Neuro affiliate.
We'll explore whether age-related sleep changes are potential contributors to brain degeneration or valuable early indicators of otherwise invisible brain disorders, possibly opening doors for early intervention.
We'll also learn about Gibson's research, supported by the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience at Wu Tsai Neuro, which investigates how myelin—the insulation of our nerve cells—could be a key missing link in understanding the relationship between sleep and brain health.
Join us for an enlightening discussion that might just change how you think about your nightly slumber and its profound impact on long-term cognitive function.
Get in touch We want to hear from your neurons! Email us at at neuronspodcast@stanford.edu if you'd be willing to help out with some listener research, and we'll be in touch with some follow-up questions.
Episode Credits
This episode was produced by Michael Osborne at 14th Street Studios, with production assistance by Morgan Honaker and research assistance by G Kumar. Our logo is by Aimee Garza. The show is hosted by Nicholas Weiler at Stanford's Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and supported in part by the
Thanks for listening! If you're enjoying our show, please take a moment to give us a review on your podcast app of choice and share this episode with your friends. That's how we grow as a show and bring the stories of the frontiers of neuroscience to a wider audience.