University of Wisconsin scientists have discovered that when the body is at rest, the brain goes to work to repair and regenerate certain brain cells.
University of Wisconsin researchers have discovered yet another reason why sleep is so important.
They’ve learned that’s when the brain goes to work to repair and regenerate certain brain cells.
Sleeping activates the production of cells that eventually make myelin, the stuff that insulates the brain’s wiring. Without it, the brain can’t fire impulses.
The sleep study leading to the finding was performed on mice, some of whom were denied slumber.
Analysis showed that myelin-making cell production doubled when the mice were sleeping.
Among the sleep-deprived mice, scientists saw an increase in genes associated with cell death and responses to stress.
As myelin is the substance that is under attack in people suffering from MS, the test results are hoped to lead to insights about the disease and its treatments.
Already under consideration is whether or not insufficient rest can further adversely affect some of the disease’s symptoms.
The team would also like to study the possible long term brain effects of sleep deprivation during the adolescent years.
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