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Microglia: The Brain’s Immune Cells

By SWA
This is a short extension to Jarred Younger, PhD video: 070 - Why ME/CFS "fatigue" is not normal fatigue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx6qX-9tim4&t=19s Microglia are specialized immune cells that reside in the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord. They are the brain's primary defense system, constantly surveilling their environment for signs of infection, injury, or abnormality. When microglia detect a virus , bacterial infection , or other threats (including psychological stress or trauma), they shift from a resting state into an activated inflammatory mode . In this state, they produce and release molecules called pro-inflammatory cytokines , such as: Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Cytokines in the Brain: The Double-Edged Sword While these cytokines are meant to protect the brain by fighting off pathogens and clearing cellular debris, their presence can also negatively a...
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The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Concentration, Brain Function, and Organ Health

By SWA
Sleep is essential for human survival, much like food, water, and oxygen. It’s during sleep that the body performs critical maintenance across multiple systems—from brain regeneration to organ repair. When sleep is cut short or consistently disrupted, the effects are widespread. One of the most immediate and noticeable consequences is a lack of concentration, but the underlying causes run deep, involving brain dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, and even damage to vital organs. How Sleep Deprivation Affects Concentration and Brain Function 1. Impaired Brain Function Sleep is essential for neurons to communicate effectively. When you don’t sleep enough: Your brain struggles to process information. Neural signals slow down. Communication between brain regions weakens. 2. Reduced Executive Function The prefrontal cortex , responsible for attention, judgment, and decision-making, becomes underactive when sleep-deprived. This leads to: Poor concentration Weakened problem-sol...
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