Contrary to their widespread use, both over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills are deemed ineffective at best and harmful at worst by leading institutions like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic. They do not provide quality sleep and should be avoided.

Long-term, consistent use of ketone esters based on 1,3-butanediol, a very common formulation, may lead to liver toxicity. This risk exists even at doses that are not considered excessively high, such as those used by endurance athletes or in protocols for Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a disease of midlife. Pathological changes in the brain start to occur from around age 30, but the first noticeable cognitive symptoms typically don't manifest until one's late 60s or 70s. This highlights a crucial, multi-decade window for prevention and intervention.

Unlike sedatives, DORA-class sleep aids (Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists) work by inhibiting wakefulness, creating more natural sleep architecture. Research suggests this may improve the brain's ability to clear beta-amyloid and tau proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential preventative strategy.

Sleep apnea is a widespread, hidden epidemic affecting nearly a billion people globally, making it as common as diabetes. Symptoms differ by gender, often leading to misdiagnosis in women. This undiagnosed condition significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's and other health problems.

Unlike sedatives like Ambien, a new class of medication (DORAs) works by dialing down the brain's wakefulness chemical (orexin). This allows for naturalistic sleep that is functionally beneficial, proven to increase the brain's cleansing of beta amyloid and tau protein, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Despite common belief, only about 3-5% of Alzheimer's cases are driven by inherited genetic mutations. The vast majority are linked to lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep, making it a largely preventable disease if proactive measures are taken early in life.

Gum disease (periodontitis) is a significant risk factor for dementia, as harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to brain inflammation. Studies show that xylitol, found in certain gums and mouthwashes, improves the oral microbiota by inhibiting these specific harmful bacteria, offering a low-risk preventative measure.

Amyloid beta, often demonized as a toxic waste product in Alzheimer's, is fundamentally an antimicrobial peptide that protects brain cells. The problem arises not from its existence, but from the brain's inability to clear it effectively during sleep, leading to harmful accumulation.