Sleep Enables Repair of DNA Damage in Nerve Cells

Sleep occupies an important part of daily life in humans and many animals. Recent studies have shown its important role in cardiovascular health, the regular functioning of the immune system , and protection from metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Humans spend approximately one-third of their lives asleep. Many animals sleep even though this leaves them vulnerable in nature. Why do they naturally take this risk? Why is sleep so important in our lives? A new answer has been added. In March 2019, Nature Communications published a study discovering that sleep enables the repair of DNA damage occurring in nerve cells.

Below, the study’s graphical summary can be seen:

The study was conducted at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Zebrafish, which resemble humans in many studies, were used as the model organism. Of zebrafish genes, % 70 are the same as human genes, making them excellent research models. Their bodies are also transparent early in life, allowing easy observation. Researchers labeled zebrafish chromosomes with “colored” chemicals. Then, using 3-dimensional time-lapse imaging, they examined sleep’s microscale effects in brain cells, or neurons. This high-resolution technology also allowed tracking of DNA and protein movement in brain cells.

According to the research results;

Neurons were discovered to repair their nuclei more effectively during sleep. Disruption of nuclear repair also causes DNA damage, which leads to aging and disease.

In other words; During sleep, nerve cells have a chance to remain free of stress. This allows them to repair DNA damage accumulated during the day.

Chromosome movement was also found to be very low while awake, preventing effective DNA repair in nerve cells. During sleep, chromosome movement increased and DNA damage was repaired effectively.

What Does This Study Mean for Us?

• A strong relationship between sleep and DNA repair was discovered. Sleep allows repair of damage accumulated during the day.
• We are beginning to better understand sleep’s importance at the cellular level. Adequate sleep enables DNA damage repair. Accumulated DNA damage causes many neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
• Researchers plan further analyses in mouse models and human cells.
• This study shows that, despite environmental risks (vulnerability to predators and other dangers), animals and humans must sleep to protect DNA in their neurons. It also shows why sleep evolved and holds an important place in our lives.

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