Poor sleep habits have emerged as a contributor to many conditions, from obesity to heart attacks, and Alzheimer’s disease, and scientists are still discovering the various cellular links at work.
In one of the latest genetic studies probing poor sleep and poor brain or cognitive function. Chinese scientists found that sleep-deprived mice had lower levels of a “protective” protein-pleiotrophin, which was previously linked to poor brain function in aged adults.
“The study underlines that sleep deprivation dangers run deep” that looks at diseases arising from disturbances in the circadian rhythm. Previous research into pleiotrophin, or PTN, as the sleep protein is known as, is tied to Alzheimer’s disease. The sleep-cognition hypothesis is that lower levels of some proteins could trigger neurological damage in the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in learning and memory.” “This explains why cognitive decline occurs with insomnia.”
Sleep has in recent years got recognition as a separate science. Sleep is the eighth factor that doctors use to evaluate a person’s risk for heart disease.
A wakeful brain churns through the night, producing more of the Alzheimer’s protein — amyloid beta – than its waste disposal system can handle. As the levels rise in the brain, it starts irreversible changes that lead to dementia.
People who are sleep-deprived exhibit tell-tale symptoms. “They are sloppy throughout the day, lack of concentration or seem irritable. The quality of their work suffers and so do their personal ties.”
“Lack of sleep not only leads to more accidents at work or on the road but can also trigger changes that lead to heart attacks and strokes. It is being linked to all non-communicable diseases.” People should “sleep well, on time, and around seven hours” to stay healthy.
HOW SLEEP TIES UP WITH GOOD HEALTH:-
Recharges body a nd mind, builds immunity against diseases.
American Heart Association last year added 7-9 hours of sleep daily as the eighth factor on its checklist for cardiovascular health.
The 7 factors are :-
- nicotine exposure
- physical activity
- diet
- weight
- blood glucose
- cholesterol
- blood pressure
Sleep loss increases risk of:-
- Coronary heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Stroke
Sleep Chart:-
Age 3-5 years – 10-13 hours
Age 6-12 years – 9-12 hours
Age 13-18 years – 8-10 hours
Adults – At least 7 hours
