Sleep Deprivation Inhibits Production of Essential Brain Proteins

We know that sleep has important functions in our lives. During sleep, the brain “cleans up” toxins, erases unnecessary memories and prepares the brain to store new, important memories. Yet statistics released by the CDC show that 35% of all adults and about 70% of adolescents experience regular sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation is defined as less than 7 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period (8 hours for teenagers).

Two studies published in October 2019 reveal that the brain prepares to produce essential proteins at least twice a day: once before going to sleep and once before waking up. However, when we deprive ourselves of sleep, the preparation before sleep still happens, but the actual production doesn’t occur. The proteins that the brain produces are critical for the production of other proteins and for for synaptic functioning. Both are critical for thinking, processing and healthy brain function.

Add to these findings the corresponding data from the CDC sleep deprivation survey. Those who are sleep deprived are 30% more likely to experience a heart attack, heart disease, or diabetes, 40% more likely to have arthritis, and 50% more likely to experience a stroke and suffer from depression.

For further details, please go to https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sleep-deprivation-shuts-down-production-of-essential-brain-proteins/