Posted on 10/31/2023 9:08:51 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Scientists have discovered a surprising connection between brain cells involved in producing the insulation around nerve fibers, our sleep patterns, and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
The cells studied are a type of glial cell known as oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). These cells can mature into oligodendrocytes, which are responsible for making myelin—the insulation that ensheaths nerve fibers throughout the brain and speeds neuronal signaling. But before OPCs turn into oligodendrocytes, they have other duties.
Gibson revealed that another unexpected role of OPCs may involve sleep.
As a circadian biologist, Gibson is familiar with the effects that our circadian system imparts on every bodily process. This system regulates activity to oscillate on a 24-hour rhythm, such that at night, organs like the stomach decrease their digestion and our overall body temperature drops. Gibson wondered if glial cells like OPCs might also have their own 24-hour circadian rhythms. The new research showed that indeed they do, with 10% of genes in OPCs oscillating over a 24-hour day.
Gibson and Rojo's team also revealed that when the circadian regulation of OPCs breaks down, an array of harmful effects ensue—impacting both sleep patterns and the health of the insulating myelin surrounding neurons.
The team was most interested in the impact that dysregulated OPCs had on sleep. Specifically, the mice had a harder time remaining in a deep sleep or non-REM phase, which led to more frequent naps during their active phase when they should have been awake.
"Increases in active phase napping is now believed to be one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease," said Gibson.
Rojo adds this discovery "can give us an idea of why some disruptions in circadian shifts in sleep, for example, in night workers, can increase their risk of having demyelinating disorders like multiple sclerosis."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
This may be of benefit to MS sufferers.
Myelin is made of cholesterol. Statins destroy cholesterol.
To ALL, let’s get this Freepathon over before Thanksgiving and double the contributions. Robinson family needs help due to health issues.
What about a daily short nap? Edison and Churchill swore by it as restorative and helped them think better.
A different study said naps 30 minutes or less appeared okay.
I often sleep for 10 hours at night if my bratty cat leaves me alone.
Zzzzzz
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