Brain fatigue is a phenomenon that occurs surprisingly often in our lives. This time, we will provide a clear explanation of the mechanisms, causes, and effective ways to improve brain fatigue.
Contents
What is Brain Fatigue?
Brain fatigue refers to a state where the brain’s function decreases due to excessive stress or burden. Causes include prolonged concentration, stress, lack of sleep, and information overload. When the brain does not get enough rest, symptoms such as decreased cognitive ability, irritability, and forgetfulness may occur. In simple terms, it is a state where the brain is “tired.”
Mechanisms of Brain Fatigue
The main cause of brain fatigue is the disruption of the function of neurons and neural networks in the brain, leading to inefficient energy supply and information processing. Specifically, the following mechanisms are involved.
1. Imbalance of Neurotransmitters
Prolonged stress or concentration can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain (such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine). This imbalance makes it difficult for the brain to efficiently transmit information, leading to brain fatigue.
2. Insufficient Energy Supply to the Brain
The brain requires a large amount of energy, but during prolonged activity, if the energy supply cannot keep up, nerve cells cannot function efficiently. As a result, overall brain function declines, leading to a feeling of fatigue.
3. Accumulation of Waste Products in the Brain
When the brain is active, unnecessary substances (waste products) that are generated may not be properly expelled, leading to accumulation within the brain. This sluggishness in brain function results in brain fatigue.
4. Decline in Glial Cell Function
Glial cells support nerve cells, and when their function declines due to stress or fatigue, the overall function of the brain also decreases, leading to symptoms of brain fatigue.
5. Disruption of the Brain’s Information Processing Network
Excessive information processing and stress can confuse the neural networks in the brain, hindering normal information transmission. This characteristic leads to a decline in cognitive ability and concentration, indicative of brain fatigue.
What are Waste Products in the Brain? Why do They Accumulate?
Waste products in the brain refer to unnecessary substances generated during brain activity, including fragments of proteins like “amyloid-beta” and “tau proteins,” as well as metabolites of neurotransmitters. They are usually expelled by cerebrospinal fluid but can accumulate for the following reasons.
1. Lack of Sleep
During sleep, cerebrospinal fluid flows to wash the brain, removing waste products. However, when sleep is insufficient, this cleansing function diminishes, leading to the accumulation of waste products in the brain.
2. Stress
When stress is felt, the brain remains tense, hindering the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. As a result, waste products are more likely to accumulate.
3. Decreased Blood Flow
Poor blood flow can hinder the expulsion of waste products and the supply of nutrients, making it easier for waste to accumulate in the brain.
Why Do We Feel Brain Fatigue When Waste Products Accumulate?
1. Decreased Function of Brain Cells
When waste products accumulate, the activity of nerve cells cannot proceed smoothly, decreasing the efficiency of information transmission and energy production. As a result, cognitive ability and concentration decline, leading to feelings of brain fatigue.
2. Inducing Inflammation
As waste products increase, the immune cells in the brain initiate an inflammatory response, damaging nerve cells. This inflammation obstructs brain function, resulting in feelings of brain fatigue.
3. Decreased Efficiency of Information Processing
When nerve cells are compressed by waste products, normal information transmission becomes difficult, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of the brain’s information processing. Consequently, concentration and judgment become dull, resulting in feelings of brain fatigue.
Is Craniosacral Therapy (CST) Effective for Brain Fatigue?
What is CST?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a manual therapy that gently touches the head and spine to relax the entire body and regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Why is CST Effective for Brain Fatigue?
- Regulates the Flow of Cerebrospinal Fluid: CST smooths the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, making it easier to expel waste products from the brain. This helps restore brain function and alleviates brain fatigue.
- Relaxation Effect: CST is performed with a very light touch, promoting deep relaxation and reducing stress. This, in turn, reduces feelings of fatigue in the brain.
- Releases Nerve Tension: CST relaxes tension in nerves and connective tissues, improving blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This activation contributes to the recovery from brain fatigue.
Conclusion
Brain fatigue is a state where brain function declines due to stress and excessive information processing. To improve brain fatigue, adequate sleep and stress relief are essential, but Craniosacral Therapy is also an effective method for regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and promoting brain recovery. Through regular care, you can maintain brain health and regain a refreshed daily life.
