Your body and your brain constantly go through cellular cleansing processes. In the brain there are two types of glial cells that are responsible for clearing out old or damaged cells and synapses.

Microglial cells initiate a process called phagocytosis to remove debris, pathogens and dead cells from the brain. Astrocytes are supporting cells that provide structural support, insulate surfaces and protect the brain during inflammation and injury. These are complementary roles that help repair and restore the brain while you sleep and get you ready for a new day. Normally, that’s a good thing.

But when you don’t get enough sleep, astrocyte activity increases and the cells actually start to exhibit behavior similar to the microglial cells, eating waste and engaging in excessive cleansing — a physiological process called astrocytic phagocytosis.

Read more here:: https://lowcarbmag.com/your-brain-starts-eating-itself-because-of-lack-of-sleep/

      

Filed under: Health

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