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Study Warns of Alzheimer's Risk From Common Sleep Aid Zolpidem, Known as Ambien, in Spain

Jan 9, 2025, 01:10 PM

A recent study published in the journal Cell has raised concerns about the long-term use of the sleep aid zolpidem, commonly known as Ambien, which is widely prescribed in Spain. The research, conducted by teams from the University of Rochester Medical Center in the U.S. and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, found that zolpidem suppresses the brain's glymphatic system, a network responsible for clearing toxic protein waste during sleep. This suppression could potentially increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease due to the accumulation of proteins such as amyloid and tau. The study utilized advanced optical techniques to monitor brain activity in mice, revealing that during non-REM sleep, synchronized slow waves of norepinephrine, cerebral blood volume, and cerebrospinal fluid flow are crucial for the glymphatic system's waste clearance. However, zolpidem was found to disrupt these oscillations, impairing the brain's cleaning process. The findings suggest that while sleep aids like zolpidem can help induce sleep, they may not provide the restorative benefits of natural sleep, and their long-term use should be approached with caution.