Sleep deprivation actually causes the brain to feed off of neurons and synaptic connections, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience said. In other words, when you don’t get enough sleep, your brain starts to eat itself.⁠ ⁠ Neuroscientist Michele Bellesi, from the Marche Polytechnic University in Italy, led the study examining the brain’s response to poor sleep habits using well-rested and overtired mice, Science Alert reported. Groups of mice in the study were given varying amounts of sleep, ranging from a solid eight hours to being forced to stay awake for five straight days, according to the study.⁠ ⁠ _____⁠ ⁠ During sleep, glial cells, or astrocytes, clear the brain of synapses to rejuvenate the brain, US News reported. Another cell is also at work when you’re snoozing. The microglial cell destroys “old and worn out cells via a process called phagocytosis — meaning "to devour" in Greek,” Science Alert revealed.⁠ ⁠ These processes have a positive effect while you sleep...