Lack of sleep leads to the development of diseases related to inflammation

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The development of serious chronic pathologies, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease, is closely linked to lack of sleep.

Sleep quality is in some way correlated with inflammation, the body's natural response to illness and injury. Inflammation is the result of the immune system. When, for example, a respiratory infection or a cut occurs on the skin, the immune system activates white blood cells, which in turn secrete cytokines and other inflammatory molecules designed to destroy all pathogens in the body. Temporary inflammation is an effective defense mechanism. But if it becomes chronic, it can lead to the development of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

With a lack of sleep, the level of inflammatory molecules in the body begins to increase, the doctor said.

As studies have shown, some of the inflammatory molecules that increase with sleep deprivation are cytokines, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. In this regard, people who sleep poorly become at risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes.

In addition, lack of sleep interferes with the normal functioning of the brain's cleansing system. During deep sleep, cerebrospinal fluid flows through the brain, removing beta-amyloid protein, the accumulation of which damages brain cells, which increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

Without enough sleep at night, the brain's self-cleaning process becomes less thorough, which leads to the accumulation of protein in it and the development of inflammation.

According to the specialist, even after one sleepless night, the level of beta-amyloid, which is dangerous for it, increases in the brain. But chronic sleep deprivation causes the greatest damage to the brain.