Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining brain health by supporting memory consolidation, reducing inflammation, and clearing waste through the glymphatic system. When sleep is disrupted, these protective processes becomes disrupted, potentially increasing the risk of brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. In some cases, sleep problems often appear years before brain disorders develop-for example, REM sleep behavior disorder can serve as an early warning sign of Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases. Breathing disorders, particularly sleep apnea, create additional risks through repeated oxygen drops that stress brain cells. These effects become especially significant in midlife, when poor sleep may accelerate brain aging and cognitive decline.