Are Sleep Meds Disrupting Your Brain’s Cleanup Crew?

If you’ve ever struggled with sleepless nights, you’re not alone.

Millions of older adults rely on sleep aids like to get a decent night’s rest.

But new research suggests some of these medications could be interfering with the brain’s natural waste-removal process—possibly increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

That’s a big deal—because after age 55, dementia risk in the U.S. has more than doubled.

So, what’s happening inside the brain while you sleep? And why might popular sleep meds be doing more harm than good?

Your brain has its own built-in cleaning crew called the glymphatic system.

Unlike the rest of the body, which uses the lymphatic system to clear out waste, the brain relies on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flush out harmful toxins—including beta-amyloid, the protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

This process happens only during deep, non-REM sleep, thanks to a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This chemical helps regulate slow-wave sleep, creating synchronized pulses that wash away harmful waste products.

But researchers at the University of Rochester and the University of Copenhagen have found that zolpidem—one of the most commonly prescribed sleep medications—disrupts these natural waves, blocking the glymphatic system from doing its job.

Many sleep aids, including zolpidem, work by sedating the brain rather than enhancing natural sleep cycles.

This can make you feel like you’re getting good sleep—but your brain may be missing out on its nightly cleanup.

Here are some key findings from the study:

Mice given zolpidem showed a disruption in their glymphatic system.
Their brain’s ability to clear out toxic waste was significantly reduced.
Without proper waste clearance, neurons may become more vulnerable to damage—potentially increasing dementia risk over time.

Experts warn that while occasional use of sleep aids is generally safe, relying on them long-term could have unintended consequences for brain health.

Dr. Natalie Hauglund, one of the study’s authors, put it bluntly: “Sleep aids may provide a short-cut to sleep, but our study shows that the sleep you get with sleep medication may lack the beneficial effects of natural, restorative sleep.”

If you’re taking sleep aids, don’t panic—but consider alternative ways to improve your sleep naturally.

Get More Morning Sunlight – Exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
Optimize Your Sleep Environment – Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
Try Magnesium or Herbal Remedies – Natural sleep aids like magnesium, valerian root, and chamomile can promote relaxation.
Cut Out Blue Light Before Bed – Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime to support melatonin production.
Experiment with Cold Therapy – Cold showers before bed may improve sleep quality and boost circulation.

We already know that poor sleep increases dementia risk. But now, it turns out that some sleep aids might be making matters worse by interfering with the brain’s natural cleaning process.

The takeaway? If you want to protect your memory and brain health, focus on natural sleep solutions first.

To sweet dreams (the natural way).

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. Interested in safe, natural, easy strategies to combat insomnia and enjoy perfect sleep…for LIFE? Check out HSI’s long-time contributor, Dr. Fred Pescatore’s Perfect Sleep Protocol.

Sources:

5 ways sleep aids might be harming your brain health. (2025, January 16). Rolling Out. https://rollingout.com/2025/01/16/sleep-aids-might-harm-brain-health/

Pelc, C. (2025, January 14). Common sleep medication may prevent brain from clearing “waste.” Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/common-sleep-medication-may-prevent-brain-from-clearing-waste#The-interaction-between-brain-health-quality-sleep-and-overall-health