Tinnitus Brain Fog Linked to Glymphatic System Dysfunction

*TG

Member
Author
Dec 14, 2024
6
Tinnitus Since
2009
Cause of Tinnitus
rave

Glymphatic system dysfunction associated with cognitive impairment in chronic tinnitus patients


Tinnitus brain fog refers to the cognitive difficulties often reported by tinnitus sufferers, such as memory issues and slower information processing. Research shows that these impairments correlate with tinnitus intensity, highlighting a measurable connection.

The glymphatic system, the brain's waste-clearing mechanism, plays a key role in maintaining cognitive health. A recent study found that chronic tinnitus patients exhibit glymphatic dysfunction, which parallels their cognitive challenges.

To address this, circadian-based interventions like melatonin, sleep hygiene, morning blue light therapy, and evening blue-blocking glasses may help optimize glymphatic function, offering a potential pathway to relief.

HERE is the study, from 09/24, showing the associations between chronic tinnitus, glymphatic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. HERE is the study on circadian therapy protocols for glymphatic dysfunction (originally developed for traumatic brain injury).

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Welllll, NAC isn't really a player in the glymphatic system, AFAIK. However, omega oils are, they act to increase the effectiveness of the aquaporin channels (see here). Melatonin also is a big player in the glymphatic system. Really, though, you want to optimize sleep, it is the best way to clear toxins from the brain. Here is a good resource on how lifestyle interventions help glymphatic system functioning.

All of these measures are great for reducing dementia risk as well, btw.
 
Thanks! Sleep doesn't seem to affect my tinnitus. I had a great sleep last night, but today is a lousy tinnitus day. In fact, I've noticed a pattern: on nights when I sleep poorly, I often have a better day afterward. My tinnitus must be different from other people's. I haven't tried fish oil yet!
 
Same for me.
Yes, it's strange. Sleep definitely has an effect because it's pretty much the only thing that causes a reset. However, sometimes that reset goes from a good day to a bad one. For instance, yesterday was great, and I had a good night's sleep, but I woke up today with horrible tinnitus all day. Hopefully, tonight's reset will switch things back from a bad day to a good one.

A lot of people have mentioned waking up from naps with worse tinnitus, so sleep clearly influences it. However, it is not as straightforward as it seems. Does anyone track their sleep using an Apple Watch to monitor the ratios of core, deep, and REM sleep?
Welllll, NAC isn't really a player in the glymphatic system, AFAIK. However, omega oils are, they act to increase the effectiveness of the aquaporin channels (see here). Melatonin also is a big player in the glymphatic system. Really, though, you want to optimize sleep, it is the best way to clear toxins from the brain. Here is a good resource on how lifestyle interventions help glymphatic system functioning.

All of these measures are great for reducing dementia risk as well, btw.
Are you a researcher? If so, I hope you keep posting and sharing all this information.
 

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