One night without sleep and your genes fall asleep! Swedish researchers from the University of Uppsala and the Karolinska Institute carried out a study on the harmful effects of lack of sleep and the disruption of the biological clock. Results: the genes that control the famous biological clock are modified after a single sleepless night.
The study involved 15 men, of normal weight and in good health, who came twice to the laboratory for a stay of 2 days and 2 nights. During the second night, they were able to either sleep 8 hours or more or stay awake. Lighting, food and activity were monitored during this period.
After the second night, samples were taken from the participants, on the one hand in the superficial fat near the stomach, on the other hand in the thigh muscle. These tissues are used to assess the regulation of metabolism and control the level of sugar in the blood. Blood samples, before and after the White Night, were also collected.
An impact on the biological clock and health
After a sleepless night, the regulation and activity of the genes in the body clock have changed. Researchers speak of epigenetic changes. They confirmed chemical changes through a process called methylation.
The samples taken revealed different effects in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. There would therefore be a desynchronization of the two types of tissue. The latter may explain the metabolic effects. The concept of metabolic memory thus brought to light, leans researchers towards the thesis of a lasting effect of this process. This study provides a better understanding of the results of previous research on lack of sleep and the disruption of the biological clock. This work has established in particular an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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