Genes that affect sleep

2002/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Genetika

Scientists from the Institute of Neuroscience of San Diego (California) have studied the consequences of sleeping little and have concluded that genes have influence.

The main objective of this study is to try to explain that sleep is essential for the survival of human beings and that lack of sleep causes the death of human beings.

All the experiences have been made with flies, since the sleep cycle of these animals has great similarities with man. Researchers have identified two genes that influence sleep. Flies, for example, if the genes involved in sleep are removed or reduced, are suddenly killed.

Thanks to the identification of these two genes, from now on, the scientists of San Diego are trying to solve the problems associated with sleep, among which are the sleep problems of those who work at night and those who suffer change of time as a result of plane trips.