Lack of Sleep is bad for brain health

Chronic sleep deprivation is increasingly being implicated in mental and cognitive problems. According to a recent article in Los Angeles Times, lack of sleep can lead to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, impaired learning, mood disorders, and even bipoloar disorder. Excerpts:

* Alzheimer's risk: Abnormal insulin levels (common in shift workers and sleep-deprived people) may increase the risk for certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, scientists at the University of Washington have found.

* Learning: Proper alignment between sleep times and internal circadian time is crucial for optimal cognitive performance.

* Mood: Diane Boivin of the Centre for Study and Treatment of Circadian Rhythms at Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Montreal published research last year in the journal Sleep showing that serotonin levels -- a key substance for mood stability -- are lower in shift workers than day workers.

* Bipolar disorder: In a study published last year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center identified a gene that, if disrupted, causes mice to behave as if they have bipolar disorder.

These join a significant number of other studies supporting the importance of getting enough sleep.