A new reset button for our circadian clock has been identified, which could pave way for new treatment options for seasonal affective disorder, adverse health effects of working the night shift, or even cure jet lag.
Douglas McMahon at Vanderbilt University who directed the study said that they found they could change an animal's sleep/wake rhythms by artificially stimulating the neurons in the master biological clock, which is located in an area of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), with a laser and an optical fiber.
Quiz on Sleep Disorder
The comfort of modern life comes at the cost of restful sleep! "Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone-Anthony Burgess" Scientifically it is proven that a good night's sleep is imperative for maintaining a balance between the physical, emotional and behavioral well-being of a person.
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The study was done using mice. Neuroscientists have found that mice possess a biological clock nearly identical to that of humans with the exception that it is tuned for a nocturnal lifestyle.
The researchers used a new technique called optogenetics to manipulate the firing rate of the SCN neurons. The technique inserts genes that express optically sensitive proteins into target cells in order to make the cells respond to light.
![Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders]( "Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders")
Circadian rhythm (also known as sleep/wake cycle or the body clock) is a biological process that follows an internal cycle of roughly 24 hours.
The project involved genetically engineering two strains of mice. The neurons in the brain of one strain contained an optically sensitive protein that triggers neuronal activity when exposed to light. The neurons in the brain of the other had a similar protein that suppressed neuronal activity when exposed to light.
The researchers added that the exact approach wasn't ready for human use yet, but there was progress toward eventually using optogenetics as therapy.
The finding is reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Source: ANI
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Circadian rhythm (also known as sleep/wake cycle or the body clock) is a biological process that follows an internal cycle of roughly 24 hours.
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The project involved genetically engineering two strains of mice. The neurons in the brain of one strain contained an optically sensitive protein that triggers neuronal activity when exposed to light. The neurons in the brain of the other had a similar protein that suppressed neuronal activity when exposed to light.
The researchers added that the exact approach wasn't ready for human use yet, but there was progress toward eventually using optogenetics as therapy.
The finding is reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience.
Source: ANI
How Power Naps Help You Recharge
Power naps may not be a substitute for regular restorative sleep, but they can help you recharge during the course of the day, enabling better performance at work and improving your mood.
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 15 Fascinating Facts About Sleep DisordersSleep deprivation has been linked to various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression. Here are some interesting facts about sleep disorders. | Advertisement
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