Researchers from the Bar-Ilan University of Israel learned that sleep deprivation has a negative impact on aging and leads to the development of brain disorders. In reference to animal behavior observation, sleep also signicantly affects brain performance among humans.

In a study published in the Nature Communications journal, the researchers used 3D time-lapse imaging techniques to measure the effects of sleep deprivation. The results of the study showed that neurons require sleep for them to function properly and coherently.

The results also showed that sleep deprivation results in DNA damage, such as oxidative stress, and adversely affects the brain’s ability to function. The lead researchers concluded that the loopholes of brain activity are remedied when we sleep at night, such as in the case of the zebrafish they observed, according to Science Daily.

Using a high-resolution microscope and applying controlled body tests, they also found that one of the main functions of sleep is to maintain the nuclear makeup of brain cells that’s responsible for constant neuron activity. In analyzing the fish, they found that animals sleep in order to preserve their DNA composition. Hence, the researchers said that sleep deprivation could really affect aging and lead to brain disorders.

Furthermore, the study found that constant sleep deprivation could lead to the production of cancer cells, making the body unable to detoxify itself from DNA damage. The researchers noted that brain chromosomes are surprisingly more active during the night especially when the body is at rest. Thus, they concluded that the damage repair is also directly associated with physiological relevance to the entire body.

On the other hand, Daily Mail pointed out the causes of sleep deprivation which could hinder the DNA repair process. When a person is stressed, they feel anxious and this prevents the body from acquiring enough sleep required to improve cognitive abilities. The outlet also stressed that establishing a frequent sleep routine could help improve the ability of a person to spend more time sleeping than just lying around. Listening to calming music and visualizing happy pleasant thoughts also promote a healthy sleep, thereby preventing aging and brain disorders from developing.

Compiled by Olalekan Adeleye

Medical Daily