The Mental Dishwasher: The Cleaning Cycle Your Brain Supports During Sleep

We all know sleep is pivotal to our wellbeing, but what actually happens in our brains when we shut our eyes for the night?  

When we sleep, our brains undergo a cleaning cycle that clears away toxins, which improves our memory and helps us feel our best the next day. It’s called the mental dishwasher. 

Let’s dive further into this cleaning cycle our brain supports and how you can encourage your dishwasher to perform at optimal levels. 

Your Brain’s Cleaning System

Researchers discovered that when we are in deep sleep—or Stage 3 of the sleep cycle—slow electrical waves inour brains enhance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This CSF flow, which mimics the oscillations of a slow washing machine, is believed to flush out toxic waste and refresh our brains. 

More importantly, the research suggests CSF may protect individuals from Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Earlier studies of animals found CSF increases during sleep and helps carry away waste products—among them, Alzheimer-related toxins. 

The 4 Sleep Stages

As noted earlier, deep sleep is stage 3 of the sleep cycle. In total, there are four sleep stages: 

• Stage 1 / N1: This is when we doze off to sleep. Stage 1 generally lasts for one to five minutes, and then we enter Stage 2.

• Stage 2 / N2: During Stage 2, we enter a light state of sleep. Our body temperature drops, muscles relax, and breathing and heart rate gets slower. In general, we spend about half our sleep time in Stage 2. 

• Stage 3 / N3 or Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS): This is when we are in deep sleep. Our muscles relax even more, and our brain pattern undergoes slow-wave activity. Experts believe this stage to be critical in recovery and growth. Though we experience minimal brain activity during this stage, deep sleep is known to promote memory, critical thinking, and creativity. Stage 3 typically lasts for 20 to 40 minutes.

• Stage 4 / REM: Stage 4 is when our brain activity increases, and we experience rapid eye movement (REM). It typically occurs after 90 minutes of sleep and takes up about 25% of sleep time in adults. 

How to Help Improve Brain Function with Superior Lab’s Supplements

According to the Sleep Foundation, we need enough deep sleep and REM sleep to allow our minds and bodies to recuperate and grow. This research emphasizes the importance of getting high-quality sleep to improve brain function. 

But of course, doing this is easier said than done. Sometimes, depending on our lifestyle and circumstances, achieving a deep state of sleep is challenging or impossible. 

Fortunately, some supplements can equip you with the support your brain needs to tackle the responsibilities life brings each day. At Superior Labs, we are proud to offer three high-quality supplements that encourage better sleep and cognition:  

1. Melatonin Complex: Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone made by the pineal gland, located just above the middle of the brain. It tells your body when it’s time for bed and when to wake up. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, Melatonin Complex can offer benefits, such as a better night’s sleep and mood.  
   
   
2. Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC): ALC is an amino acid found in our brain and liver. Helping “maintain healthy neurotransmitter activity,” ALC supports our cognitive functions. Taking ALC supplements can help improve your memory and focus. 
   
   
3. Organic Ashwagandha: Known as an adaptogen, Organic Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that can support brain function and manage stress. Research shows Ashwagandha may also benefit people with neurodegenerative diseases. 

To give your mind and body the rest and recuperation they need, add these three supplements to your cart today. If you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, we encourage you to consult with your doctor before taking these (or any) supplements.