A Harvard neurologist issues a warning to those who sleep poorly: “It paves the way for disease.”

Dr. Pedro Schestatsky, a renowned neurologist with a postdoctoral degree from Harvard University, is one of the leading voices on the impact of sleep deprivation on health.

In one of his recent appearances, he issued a stark warning: “We are facing a silent pandemic of sleep deprivation that is damaging the brain health of millions of people around the world.”

Dr. Schestatsky, who also shares science-based content on social media under the handle @drpedroneuro, emphasized that sleep is not a modern luxury—it’s a critical biological necessity. “Years of poor or insufficient sleep pave the way for disease. It prevents the brain from performing its natural cleansing process, which leads to the buildup of toxins like beta-amyloid, a substance directly linked to Alzheimer’s,” he explained.

One of the most important processes that occurs during sleep is the activation of the glymphatic system, which clears metabolic waste from brain tissue. When this system is disrupted due to lack of sleep, it can lead to what Schestatsky calls “brain compression”—a condition that, according to his research, increases the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

But the issue isn’t just about how many hours we sleep. The neurologist also highlighted the dangers of undiagnosed sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea, which affects millions of people. “Apnea causes frequent micro-awakenings, oxygen deprivation, and brain inflammation. It’s a risk factor that can accelerate Alzheimer’s if not detected early,” he warned. That’s why he recommends screening all patients with early signs of cognitive decline for sleep apnea.

Dr. Schestatsky shares alarming statistics on sleep deprivation

This is a global issue. According to recent data, only 4% of the world’s population has optimal metabolic health. That means 96% have some form of imbalance in glucose, lipid levels, or blood pressure. Combined with excessive digital stimulation and genetic predisposition, this significantly raises the risk of mental health conditions like depression, ADHD, and anxiety. “Constant screen exposure—especially before bed—disrupts circadian rhythms and reduces the quality of deep sleep, which is the most restorative phase,” he added.

Four Key Tips for Better Sleep

To combat this, Dr. Schestatsky offers several practical tips that can make a real difference:

On the last point, he elaborates: “Mindful breathing is like a workout for the brain. Techniques like the 4-7-8 method help reduce stress and naturally improve sleep quality.” Researchers say this method, which is even used by soldiers in combat to fall asleep quickly, is highly effective.

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