How sleep deprivation can harm the brain

Published on September 6, 2023

Just like a car without fuel, our bodies can’t function properly without sleep. Not only does sleep deprivation make us feel awful, but it can also harm our brain. Imagine a delicate gadget, like a computer, that relies on a constant power supply to function optimally. Similarly, our brains need proper rest to perform at their best. In fact, chronic sleep loss has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases. Scientists are determined to uncover the secrets behind this phenomenon, studying how sleep deprivation affects our brain health. Recently, a team of researchers working with mice discovered a protective protein that decreases in levels when we don’t get enough sleep. This decline in protein levels ultimately leads to the death of nerve cells. Understanding these intricate processes could pave the way for potential interventions or therapies to combat the harmful effects of sleep deprivation on the brain.

Not only does a lack of sleep make you feel awful, research has shown it impairs the brain. What’s more, sleep loss over long periods can even increase risk for Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases. Researchers want to understand how sleep deprivation causes this harm. In a new study, a team working with mice has identified a protective protein whose level declines with sleep deprivation, leading to neuronal death.

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