After investigating past studies of sleep-deprived mice conducted by Dr. Veasey, researchers found that two important parts of the brain were significantly affected when animals were awake for just more than two hours each day. I found. The locus coeruleus, which controls arousal and sensation of arousal, and the hippocampus, which plays an important role in memory formation and learning. In the case of humans, these areas, which are central to maintaining a conscious experience, are antioxidants that protect neurons from the unstable molecules that are constantly being produced, such as exhaust fumes, by allowing cells to function. Slowed down the production of animals. At low levels of antioxidants, these molecules can accumulate and attack the brain from within, breaking down proteins, fats, and DNA.
“Even under normal circumstances, brain arousal is penalized,” said Dr. Fernandez. “But if you stay up for a long time, your system will be overloaded. At some point, you can’t beat a dead horse. If you’re asking your cells to stay active for more than 30% every day. , The cells die. “
In the mouse brain, sleep deprivation caused cell death after several days of sleep restriction. This is a much lower threshold for brain damage than previously thought.It also caused inflammation and elevated levels of the prefrontal cortex. Tau When Amyloid Proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease in the locus coeruleus and hippocampus.
After a year of regular sleep, previously sleep-deprived mice still suffered from nerve damage and brain inflammation. For Dr. Veasey and Zamore, this suggested that the effect would be long-lasting and perhaps permanent.
Nevertheless, many scientists have stated that new research should not cause panic. “Sleep deprivation can damage the brains of rats and mice, but that doesn’t mean you need to be stressed about not getting enough sleep,” said a sleep scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles. Jerome Siegel said. He contributes to the review.
Dr. Siegel said that some nerve damage has occurred and the extent of the effects of sleep deprivation on the human brain is still poorly known. He also expressed concern that excessive concern about the long-term effects of sleep deprivation may lead people to sleep more unnecessarily and with medications.
