Scientists from the University of Washington (USA) have found that little-studied brain cells play an important role in controlling astrocytes’ need for sleep. The results of the study, magazine Journal of Neuroscience (Jneurosci).
Astrocytes are glial cells with multiple processes that form astroglial networks among themselves, like neurons. They interact with neurons, are responsible for calcium signaling, affect human behavior and are involved in the process of neurogenesis and the formation of the blood-brain barrier, which protects and also regulates nervous tissue from harmful substances that can penetrate through the circulatory system. synaptic transmission.
The authors conducted a series of experiments with mice – activating astrocytes, as a result of which the rodents were able to stay awake longer than usual without mental fatigue and deterioration in physical health.
“Prolonged wakefulness generally increases the duration and intensity of sleep, but in this study, we found that these mice did not differ from well-rested control animals, despite the extra hours of wakefulness,” the authors explained.
The researchers say the discovery will help develop ways to increase productivity in night workers, shift workers, first responders and military personnel.
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