The human brain, weighing approximately 1.3 to 1.5 kg and containing 86 billion neurons, consumes 20% to 25% of the body's total energy. Protecting this vital organ from diseases like dementia and strokes involves not only healthy lifestyle habits but also fundamental physiological mechanisms.
Deep sleep is essential not only for physical recovery but also for the balance of the glymphatic system, responsible for cerebrospinal fluid circulation and the elimination of metabolic waste generated by brain activity. Sleep quality is directly linked to brain metabolism and the preservation of cognitive function.
In clinical practice, understanding sleep quality, not just duration, is crucial for interpreting cases of persistent fatigue, concentration difficulties, and other issues. Neuroscience and integrative medicine consider microbiota, circadian rhythms, neurotransmitters, and inflammation as interconnected factors in brain health.
