One Night Sleep Loss Increases Alzheimer's Protein in Spinal Fluid
Does One Night Without Sleep Change Alzheimer’s Markers in Spinal Fluid?
Yes, and the changes are rapid and concerning. This randomized clinical trial found that just one night of total sleep deprivation significantly increased amyloid-beta 42 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of healthy middle-aged men. This protein is a key biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease, and its elevation in spinal fluid indicates increased production or decreased clearance from the brain—demonstrating how quickly sleep loss affects the molecular processes underlying neurodegeneration.