Many people struggle to get a good night’s sleep, and about a third of U.S. adults don’t get enough rest. While lack of sleep is linked to many health issues, the true purpose of sleep remains a mystery. Scientists suspect that it’s essential for memory, creativity, problem-solving, and even physical growth.

One key function of sleep is the brain’s cleaning process. During sleep, waves of cerebrospinal fluid wash through the brain, removing waste products, including proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This process, discovered by neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard, is like running a dishwasher overnight to keep the brain clean and healthy.

However, a recent study reveals that popular sleeping pills like Ambien (zolpidem) may interfere with this cleaning process. While mice given zolpidem fell asleep faster and experienced deeper sleep, their brain’s “power washing” process was weaker compared to natural sleep.

The Effects of Sleeping Pills

Zolpidem works by targeting GABA, a chemical that calms brain activity. According to sleep scientist Robert Stickgold, it acts like a “sledgehammer” to knock you out, without addressing the underlying cause of insomnia, such as pain, stress, or anxiety.

While sleeping pills like Ambien can be helpful for short-term use, they come with significant side effects if used long-term. One potential risk is disrupting the brain’s cleaning process, which could have unknown consequences.

Rethinking Sleep Aids

According to Nedergaard, there’s a need for a new type of sleep aid that helps people sleep while preserving the brain’s natural cleaning function. However, for those who struggle with severe insomnia, using sleeping pills may still be better than not sleeping at all.

The Future of Sleep Science

Researchers are also exploring ways to use sleep to enhance learning, such as improving skills or guiding dreams. However, Stickgold warns that using the sleeping brain for specific tasks may come at a cost: “If you’re forcing the sleeping brain to do something specific, you’re getting less of something else.”

In the end, sleep remains a complex and multifaceted process that may serve many purposes, from cleaning the brain to sharpening memories and more. While science continues to uncover new insights into the mysteries of sleep, there’s still much to learn about how it keeps our bodies and minds healthy.