In short : the rhythm of sleep can disrupt gene expression

We already knew that sleep is essential for health. A new study shows that the pace is also important. By modifying , British researchers have dramatically reshaped the expression of certain genes encoding proteins crucial .

Our organization sets its pace depending on the brightness : it is active day and sits overnight. This circadian rhythm controls many physiological mechanisms such as body temperature , blood circulation , cell metabolism and hormone production . Dysregulation increase the risk of developing several diseases , such as cancer , diabetes and even some mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

In recent years, scientists gradually discover the importance of sleep on health. It allows the body to rejuvenate and protect us against various diseases such as depression, obesity and prostate cancer . Last year , a team was also shown that sleep deprivation chamboulait completely the genome. Researchers at the University of Surrey ( UK ) wanted to dig deeper issue and have looked at the link between the rhythm of sleep and health. Their findings , published in the journal PNAS , reveal an irregularity in periods of sleep also alters gene expression and affects the well-being.

The authors recruited 22 healthy volunteers to experience three days of 28 hours free of alternating day-night cycle natural . Every day, their sleep pattern was shifted four hours, or 12 hours in all. During the experiment, the scientists collected blood samples analyzed and the overall gene expression in each of the participants . Results : genes involved in the control of the circadian cycle are more than six times less well expressed when the rhythm of sleep is changed . These genes code for global regulators involved in key cellular processes such as transcription and translation. "This study highlights the impact of jet lag and occupations with irregular schedules on health, says Derk -Jan Dijk , the director of the study. This also explains why we feel so weak when it changes its circadian rhythm.