The Impact of a Lack of Sleep on the Genes of Our DNA and Our Biological Age

What is the Function of Our DNA

Our very essence of biological life itself is the genetic code which is encapsulated in our DNA. Every cell in our body has an inner core called the nucleus. Moreover, within that nucleus resides most of our genetic material in the form of DNA molecules. These molecules form beautiful spiraling strings consisting of numerous segments. These segments are known as our genes and provide specific engineering blueprints unique to us. They contain specific instructions on how our cells need to perform particular functions.

How Sleep Deprivation Affects the Genes of Our DNA

Studies indicate that chronic sleep loss negatively impacts our DNA. Thousands of genes within the brain depend upon consistent and sufficient sleep for their stable regulation. Consequently, sleep deprivation leads to the destabilization of these genes. This causes an over- or under-expression of these genes in the body. This can result in the printing of deviating biological products that can impact our health negatively in a variety of ways. This is because these flawed DNA segments will not translate their instructional code as intended.

Studies indicate that sleeping one week for six hours a night distorts the activity of 711 genes. Moreover, this distortion occurs in both directions. About half of these 711 genes get revved up in their expression. For example the genes linked to chronic inflammation and cellular stress. The other half become diminished in their expression or shut down completely. Examples include genes that help maintain a stable metabolism and those responsible for optimal immune responses.

How Bad Sleep Affects the Physical Structure of Our DNA and Our Biological Age

Not only does insufficient sleep changes the activity and readout of our genes. It also damages the very physical structure of our genetic material itself. The spiraling strands of DNA are tightly wound together into structures called chromosomes. These chromosomes can be compared to a shoelace. Just like a shoelace, the ends of these chromosomes are protected by a binding cap called a telomere. If the telomeres at the end of our chromosomes become damaged, this exposes our DNA. This causes our vulnerable genetic code unable to work properly, much like a fraying shoelace without a tip.

The length of our telomeres gradually shortens as we age. Moreover, the health of telomeres provides an accurate indication of the biological age of an individual. Research indicates that a lack of sleep or bad quality sleep damages the telomeres of people. Therefore, it is possible for two individuals of the same age to have a different biological age based on the health of their telomeres. For example, this would be the case if one of them routinely sleeps five hours a night while the other is sleeping for seven hours a night. In conclusion, if you neglect your sleep, you are effectively genetically altering the very essence of you, your biological DNA.