Prolonged sleep deprivation prevents the division of neurons

Sleep deprivation for long periods prevents the division of the nerve cells in the brain, U.S. researchers believe. Scientists conducted an experiment in rats showed that the suppression of the fission process of nerve cells with elevated levels of the so-called associated "stress hormones." The rats were studied, who were not allowed to sleep for 72 hours. The animals had significantly elevated levels of the hormone corticosterone, which plays an important role in the regulation of physiological processes in the body of rodents. In addition, the rats recorded a significant reduction in the number of nerve cells in the hippocampus - the area of the brain associated with emotions and memory. Reduction of corticosterone led to the fact that nerve cells in the hippocampus began to share the same speed. Restored normal sleep in experimental animals for the week. In this case the recovery reproductive processes of nerve cells is taken twice, the time, the researchers reported. According to experts, the cause of cognitive impairment may be a violation of neurogenesis in some brain regions. British expert on sleep Dr. Neil Stanley said that the study results will be directly attributed to the effects of lack of sleep on the person, because people generally do not have to live without sleep for so long. According to Dr. Stanley, it would be interesting to see if partial sleep loss, if a person is forced, less sleep per day, as needed, a similar effect on nerve cells.