Washington: Sleep deprivation can interfere with the process that helps reinforce our memories, a new study has found. The researchers also report they have discovered several important molecules that govern the recalibration process, as well as evidence that sleep deprivation, sleep disorders and sleeping pills can interfere with the process. “Without sleep and the recalibration that goes on during sleep, memories are in danger of being lost,” said Diering. He purified proteins from receiving synapses in sleeping and awake mice, looking for the same changes seen in lab-grown cells during scaling down. Results showed a 20% drop in receptor protein levels in sleeping mice, indicating an overall weakening of their synapses, compared to mice that were awake.

Source: Mint February 12, 2017 16:02 UTC