Key Points:
- Astrocytes, a type of brain cells, have been discovered to play a significant role in controlling sleep need.
- Activation of astrocytes has been found to keep mice awake for hours without inducing sleepiness.
- This research suggests that targeting astrocytes could help humans go without sleep for longer without experiencing mental fatigue or impaired physical health.
- Prolonged wakefulness can have negative consequences on productivity, safety, and health, particularly for shift workers and those who work long or odd hours.
- This study opens up possibilities for future interventions that could mitigate the harmful effects of extended wakefulness by targeting astrocytes.
Hot take:
Move over, coffee – astrocytes might be the new secret to staying up all night! Researchers have discovered that these little-known brain cells have a big role in controlling sleep need. By activating astrocytes, mice were kept wide awake for hours without feeling the need to snooze. Imagine a world where humans could go without sleep for longer without the mental fatigue and physical health issues – productivity would skyrocket! This breakthrough could benefit many, especially those who work night shifts or odd hours. Astrocytes might just be the heroes we didn’t know we needed!
Original article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/08/230817163943.htm