*Goodnight, proteins...*

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Sweet dreams = healthy proteins

Proteins need to be tucked in at night too...

The latest sleep research reveals that our desire and need of being properly tucked in at night may go a little deeper - one of the primary purposes of sleep is to provide ample time and rest for our proteins to fold themselves properly. Proteins are the primary building materials of our bodies, compromising 16 - 20% of our total structure. Each of your cells contains approximately 10 billion protein molecules made from 10,000 different protein types. Apparently, they work best when they get the opportunity to build and fold themselves properly - often into very complex structures. No wonder we need to sleep!

Research has found that tiredness, and even some diseases are caused, and worsened by proteins clumping, and not getting folded properly. So, yes - that tired feeling = clumping proteins. They need to be properly folded in order to function accurately and efficiently, if unfolded they clump and can begin to have a toxic effect, interfering not only with protein functions, but larger cell functions as well...

How important is sleep? Researchers have deprived (yes poor) mice of sleep, and after 4 to 5 days average without it, they die. Simple, and necessary, as that.

Researchers recommend at least 8 hours of sleep a night for the average person. Research has also shown that lack of sleep can contribute to the onset of diabetes (as the body tries to compensate for its lack of energy by increasing sugar cravings and intake). Lack of sleep also decreases memory, recall, test taking abilities, motor skills coordination, response time, and sex drive. Studies have also proven that those who get all the sleep they need, live longer and healthier.

So, next time you're tired, remember it's for a reason - your proteins are trying to let you know - it's folding time - time to tuck in for a power nap, or a good night's sleep...

Now we know sleep is more than just a luxury - it's a vital necessity.

(You can google search for more of any of this information - I first heard some of the research on public radio's highly recommended science entertainment show "Radio Lab." Also some of the research was featured recently on 60 Minutes.)

Here is the Radio Lab's truly fascinating "Sleep" show web page link (the show had much more info on what research has discovered about why we sleep, dream, and how vitally important it is) you can listen, and read more:


http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/episodes/2007/05/25

Here is the link for more info on the origins, importance, and functions of proteins in cells:

http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/insidethecell/chapter2.html


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