Does beta-amyloid accumulate in a sleep-deprived brain?
The deep relationship between sleep and Alzheimer's disease

Every night, we rest our bodies by sleeping. However, it is not only the body that rests during sleep.

While we sleep, metabolites produced by daytime activity are transported out of the brain, a process resembling “cleaning the brain” takes place.

As one of these mechanisms, what has attracted particular attention in recent years is is the glymphatic (Glymphatic) system.

More intriguingly, this mechanism such as beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau proteins, It is also thought to be involved in the clearance of substances being studied for their association with Alzheimer's disease.

In other words, sleep is not simply “time to recover from fatigue,” may also be an important period when considering long-term brain health.

“Cleaning” takes place in the brain while we sleep

The brain does not have a lymphatic system exactly like that found in other parts of the body. Instead, it uses flows such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), There is a mechanism that helps clear metabolites from the brain.

This is called the glymphatic system.

Glymphatic function is thought to be more active during sleep than during wakefulness, Its relationship with deep non-REM sleep (slow-wave sleep) has attracted particular attention.

1. During the day, various metabolites are produced in the brain through neural activity
2. When we fall asleep, the brain's activity state and neurotransmitter environment change
3. the exchange of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid is thought to be promoted
4. During this process, the clearance of metabolites from the brain may be assisted

Among the subjects being studied, There are beta-amyloid and tau proteins.

Why is it related to Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes of dementia.

In the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and such as abnormal tau protein, It is known to involve characteristic pathological changes.

Of course, these factors alone cannot explain everything about Alzheimer's disease. Aging, genetic factors, cardiovascular health, metabolism, exercise habits, and more, Many factors are intricately interconnected.

However, in recent years, “Sleep” and “the metabolism of Alzheimer's disease-related proteins” The relationship between them has attracted attention.

Changes have been reported even after just one night without sleep

In a PET study of healthy adults published in 2018, When normal sleep was compared with not sleeping for one night, After sleep deprivation, an increase in beta-amyloid burden in the right hippocampus and thalamus was observed.

In another human study as well, a single night of sleep deprivation It has been reported that the concentrations of multiple beta-amyloid species in cerebrospinal fluid increase.

So, can getting good sleep prevent Alzheimer's disease?

After reading this far, “Then, couldn't getting a good night's sleep every night prevent Alzheimer's disease?” you may think.

However, at present, “Good-quality sleep alone can prevent Alzheimer's disease,” it cannot be stated definitively.

glucose metabolism, exercise, diet, and more. Alzheimer's disease involves many factors, such as age, genetics, vascular health,

Meanwhile, many factors are involved, including the relationship between sleep disorders and Alzheimer's disease, And as a mechanism that could potentially connect the two, The glymphatic system is being studied around the world.

In recent human studies as well, During normal sleep, beta-amyloid, tau, and other substances It has been reported that the clearance of Alzheimer's disease-related biomarkers may be promoted.

That is why, Maintaining good-quality sleep, Something that we ourselves can review in our daily lives One of the “brain health habits” It is worth considering it as

So, how can you create an “environment for deep sleep”?

When you feel that “I cannot sleep,” You may feel like drinking something right away or trying to force yourself to sleep.

However, our bodies naturally Our bodies have a mechanism that guides us toward sleep in accordance with the rhythm of morning and night.

The first thing to consider is It is about creating an environment yourself in which this natural mechanism can function more easily.

① Dim the lights slightly when night falls

Our body clock is strongly influenced by “light.”

If you continue to be exposed to strong, daytime-like lighting even at night, For your body, this is a stimulus that says, “It may still be daytime.”

As bedtime approaches, Try dimming the ceiling lights slightly, Try switching to warm-colored indirect lighting,

The habit of looking at the bright screens of smartphones and tablets until immediately before bed also It is important to reduce it as much as possible within reason.

② Create a “body-temperature rhythm for sleep” through bathing

Sleep and body temperature are closely related.

Take a warm bath shortly before going to bed, Once you warm your body, heat is then released from your hands and feet, Your core body temperature naturally begins to decrease.

This drop in body temperature is related to creating a state that makes it easier to fall asleep.

Incorporating a warm shower or bath before bedtime, Regarding the relationship with the time it takes to fall asleep and sleep efficiency, This has also been reported in a meta-analysis combining multiple studies.

There is no need to force yourself to stay in a very hot bath for a long time. At a temperature that feels comfortable to you, Take a bath about 1–2 hours before going to bedIt may be a good idea to start with this approach.

③ Make the bedroom “a place for sleeping”

Not only the length of time you sleep, Not waking up repeatedly during the night is also important.

To do this, review your bedroom environment as well.

• Make the room as dark as possible
• Reduce noise
• Keep the room temperature neither too hot nor too cold
• Do not work until immediately before going to bed
• Do not look at your smartphone for long periods in bed

An environment in which “entering the bedroom naturally begins preparing you for sleep” Ideally, you should create

④ Wake up at approximately the same time every morning

On days when you cannot sleep, You may tend to think, “I have to go to bed early tonight.”

However, when considering your sleep rhythm, It is also important not to significantly change your daily wake-up time.

Get some light when you wake up in the morning and stay active during the day, Dim the lights when night falls.

Through this repetition, Your body clock will more easily recognize morning and night.

⑤ Do not rely on “alcohol to help you sleep”

Some people may say, “I can fall asleep quickly after drinking.”

It is true that alcohol can temporarily make you feel drowsy. On the other hand, Make it easier to wake up during the night, It may disrupt sleep architecture during the latter half of the night,

Therefore, The habit of drinking alcohol every night for the purpose of sleeping It cannot be recommended from the perspective of sleep quality.

When sleeping pills are necessary, you should use appropriate medical care

What I do not want you to misunderstand here is that This does not mean that sleeping pills themselves are bad.

Sleeping pills prescribed by a doctor for insomnia and similar conditions It is one of the important treatments for those who need it.

Your inability to sleep has continued for a long time, It is interfering with your daytime work or daily life, You have been told that you snore loudly or stop breathing, In cases such as these, Please consult a doctor rather than trying to resolve it through self-judgment alone.

After arranging your living environment, consider “nutrition” as an option

The basics of sleep are light, body temperature, daily rhythm, and bedroom environment.

Another thing to consider is Your daily physical condition and nutritional status.

You have accumulated fatigue. Your diet is unbalanced. Your body is not in good condition.

If that condition continues, Rather than looking only at sleep, It is necessary to review your daytime condition and diet as well.

Therefore, as one of the food ingredients for maintaining good health, What we focused on was Royal Jelly.

Research on royal jelly and sleep is also progressing

Royal jelly contains as well as various components such as proteins, amino acids, and lipids.

It also contains fatty acids known to be unique to royal jelly, It also contains 10-HDA (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid) and other compounds.

The relationship with sleep is still at the research stage.

from a research group at Tokai University and Yamada Bee Farm in 2025 a study published in the academic journal “Experimental Animals” When royal jelly was administered to mice in a high-fat-diet-induced obesity model, and a reduction in non-REM sleep fragmentation Possible improvement in sleep stabilitywas reported.

Two products containing royal jelly

At our store, we carry Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. products containing royal jelly.

However, both of the following products These products are not intended to improve sleep or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

We introduce each product within the scope of its intended use and labeling.

Royal Energy ME (food with nutrient function claims)

of domestically produced royal jelly, containing 2,000 mg per 4 sachets based on the raw-equivalent amount it is a Granules Stick-type food with nutrient function claims.

in addition to royal jelly, Phellinus linteus PL2 and PL5 mycelial extract and contains vitamin E and other ingredients.

the nutrient function claim labeling applies to vitamin E, Through its antioxidant action, it protects lipids in the body from oxidation, It is a nutrient that helps maintain cellular health.

※ This is a food product (food with nutrient function claims) and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. Consume after checking the labeling on the product package.

👉 View the Royal Energy ME product page

Hyzery EX Granules (Class 3 OTC Drug)

It is a Class 3 OTC Drug containing royal jelly.

This product is not a sleep aid. this medicine is intended for use within the scope of its approved indications and effects.

such as fatigue and nutritional status, As one option to consider when thinking about your day-to-day physical condition, Use only after reviewing the package insert.

※ This is a medicine. Be sure to read the package insert carefully, Use as directed, following the recommended dosage and administration. If symptoms persist or you are undergoing treatment, consult a doctor, pharmacist, or other medical professional.

👉 View the Hyzery EX Granules product page

“Sleep habits for your brain” you can start tonight

You do not need to start doing everything at once. Start by changing one thing at a time that you can do yourself.

Sleep Quality Checklist

• ☐ You often cannot fall asleep for more than 30 minutes after getting into bed
• ☐ You wake up several times during the night
• ☐ You experience strong daytime sleepiness even when you think you have slept enough
• ☐ Your wake-up time varies significantly from day to day
• ☐ You look at your smartphone until just before going to bed
• ☐ You often drink alcohol to help yourself sleep
• ☐ You still feel fatigued when you wake up in the morning
• ☐ Family members have pointed out that you snore loudly or stop breathing during sleep

if many of the following apply, If this continues for a long time, In addition to reviewing your lifestyle habits, consider consulting a medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can getting good sleep prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

At present, that “good-quality sleep can prevent Alzheimer’s disease” There is no scientific evidence to make a definitive conclusion.

On the other hand, sleep deprivation and fragmented sleep such as beta-amyloid and tau has been studied in relation to Alzheimer’s disease-related biomarkers.

Sleep, like exercise, diet, and vascular health, It is considered one of the important lifestyle habits for long-term brain health.

Q2. Does deeper sleep help the brain “clean itself”?

During sleep, particularly deep non-REM sleep and and their relationship with glymphatic function is under investigation.

However, the mechanisms in the human brain are still being studied, It is not as simple as saying, "Sleeping deeply will always reduce waste products by a certain percentage."

Q3. Will taking royal jelly help me sleep?

At present, that taking royal jelly improves sleep in humans it cannot be stated definitively.

Animal studies have reported interesting findings regarding sleep stability, but Further research is needed on their effects in humans.

Q4. Is it better not to use sleeping pills when you cannot sleep?

No. sleeping pills prescribed by a doctor when deemed necessary are an appropriate treatment option.

rather than making "not using medication" the goal in itself, while improving your living environment, It is important to seek appropriate medical care when necessary.

Conclusion — A perspective of "sleeping for the brain"

When we think of sleep, we tend to think of sleep as being "to recover from tomorrow's fatigue."

However, looking at recent research, It has become clear that various important physiological processes occur in the brain during sleep. we are gradually learning more.

beta-amyloid and tau, the glymphatic system, And regarding its relationship with Alzheimer's disease, many aspects remain unclear.

That is why, to rely on one particular food or method Rather than expecting that "doing this will prevent dementia," It may be important to consider your overall daily lifestyle.

Dim the lights when night falls.
Take a warm bath.
Spend a little less time on your smartphone.
Keep the bedroom dark and quiet.
Get some exposure to light in the morning.
Stay physically active during the day.
maintain a balanced diet and manage your health.

Then, incorporate foods that supplement your daily nutrition as needed.

Rather than relying on any one thing, Creating a lifestyle that does not interfere with the body's innate ability to sleep.

That may be important when considering brain health over the long term. It may be an important first step.

References

• Shokri-Kojori E, et al. β-Amyloid accumulation in the human brain after one night of sleep deprivation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2018.
• Lucey BP, et al. Effect of sleep on overnight cerebrospinal fluid amyloid β kinetics. Annals of Neurology. 2018.
• Astara K, et al. Sleep disorders and Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology: The role of the Glymphatic System. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. 2024.
• Haghayegh S, et al. Before-bedtime passive body heating by warm shower or bath to improve sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2019.
• Sugiura C, et al. Royal jelly reduced non-rapid eye movement sleep fragmentation and restored sleep stability in diet-induced obese mice. Experimental Animals. 2025.