How sleep protects against Alzheimer's

Cannabis and pregnancy: know the risks PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou/Getty Images [Sleeping Well May Help Prevent Alzheimer's]( We may be able to reduce our risk of Alzheimer's by making an effort to get high-quality sleep, according to new research. A study shows that the brain waves generated during deep sleep appear to clean toxins from the brain, protecting it against Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists already knew there was a link between sleep problems and Alzheimer's. But in this study, for the first time researchers watched what happens in the brains of sleeping people, using fMRI technology. [Read more to learn how deep sleep works to keep our brains healthy.]( [BONUS: Working Americans are getting less sleep than ever, especially these professions.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Niklas Skur/EyeEm/Getty Images [The Risks Of Trying Cannabis For Morning Sickness]( The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a statement in which it "strongly" advised women not to use cannabis in any form — including CBD — when pregnant or breastfeeding, because it may pose "serious risks." But for a subset of women with extreme cases of morning sickness, so bad they can't eat enough to stay nourished, cannabis is an appealing option. And more pregnant women than ever are trying it. [Read on to learn about the risks it may pose to the developing fetus.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- CatiRe Dull/NPR [How To Choose A Health Insurance Plan]( It's the season to roll up your sleeves, gather your documents, and pick a health insurance plan for 2020. For those shopping for their own plans, HealthCare.gov and the other state exchanges are opened for enrollment November 1. Health insurance can be tricky, even for the experts. A doctor and academic at Duke University who studies how people make health insurance choices, Charlene Wong and her husband picked the wrong plan a few years ago. When she got pregnant she found her OB wasn't in the affordable list of doctors on her plan and she had to switch doctors to keep costs down. To avoid similar snafus, do your research, with a little help from the pros. [Here are 6 tips to help.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- More of this week's health stories from NPR [The science of thrill-seeking: Why it's so fun to be freaked out]( [A 911 call for suicidal feelings led to a $21,000 medical bill]( [How DNA sequencing can help newborns in need of emergency care]( We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find [more of NPR's health journalism on Shots]( follow us on Twitter at [@NPRHealth](. Your Shots editor, Carmel Wroth What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [shots@npr.org](mailto:shots@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Goats & Soda, Daily News, Best of NPR and more! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy](