There\u2019s a reason why one feels refreshed after taking a much needed nap; according to a recently published study, when one is asleep, the brain accelerates the process of removing toxic components within it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a study published in the journal Science,<\/em> this process is mediated by the glymphatic system, the brain\u2019s plumbing framework that was discovered only last year by the same researchers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In their study, the researchers initially used a dye to study the flow of CSF, cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This is a clear fluid that bathes the central nervous system, i.e. the brain and spinal column, and is the medium for the exchange of nutrients and wastes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This bit of the study showed that when the mice were asleep or anesthetized, CSF flowed rapidly compared to when they were conscious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This was followed by an examination of the size changes in the extracellular space through which CSF flowed, and it was found that extracellular space increased by up to 60% during periods of unconsciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n