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Researchers from the University of Camerino in Italy have found that lack of sleep can disrupt the fatty insulation that protects neurons, which in turn impairs cognitive function, Science Alert reports.
A series of experiments and tests identified chemical changes in oligodendrocyte cells as the main cause of this damage. These cells process cholesterol, a key component of the protective layer known as myelin. “This study identifies oligodendrocytes as key mediators, linking sleep deprivation to compromised myelin integrity, slowed nerve conduction, and behavioral impairments,” the scientists explained.
The researchers also analyzed MRI scans of 185 healthy volunteers, confirming previous findings: reductions in sleep quality correlate with decreased integrity of the brain’s white matter structures.
In an additional study, rats deprived of sleep for 10 days showed no change in the size of nerve fibers in the brain, but the myelin sheath surrounding each axon was thinner compared to a control group.
Further experiments revealed that signal transmission between certain brain regions slowed by about one-third in sleep-deprived rats, and synchronization between brain areas was reduced.
The researchers note, however, that these experiments were conducted on rats, and additional studies are needed to confirm whether the findings fully apply to humans.
