Sleep to protect your brain

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-12/uu-stp122913.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 31-Dec-2013
Contact: Christian Benedict
Uppsala University

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Fifteen normal-weight men participated in the study. In one condition they were sleep-deprived for one night, while in the other condition they slept for approximately 8 hours.

"We observed that a night of total sleep loss was followed by increased blood concentrations of NSE and S-100B. These brain molecules typically rise in blood under conditions of brain damage. Thus, our results indicate that a lack of sleep may promote neurodegenerative processes", says sleep researcher Christian Benedict at the Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, who lead the study.

"In conclusion, the findings of our trial indicate that a good night's sleep may be critical for maintaining brain health", says Christian Benedict.