A common prescription sleep aid, Ambien (zolpidem), can disrupt the brain’s glymphatic system, a “wash and rinse” process that clears away harmful protein waste linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Research by University of Rochester Medical Center neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard found that Ambien blocks the release of neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which normally powers the glymphatic system.
In a study using mice, Nedergaard and her team observed that when norepinephrine waves were blocked, the glymphatic system was disrupted, preventing it from removing toxic waste proteins. This could lead to their accumulation and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The findings highlight the potential detrimental effects of certain sleep aids on brain health and emphasize the importance of preserving natural sleep architecture for optimal brain function.
Source: https://newatlas.com/sleep/sleeping-pill-alzheimers