Hope for the Sleepless

Scientists from an article in Science Daily have discovered a genetic mutation in mice that signify their abnormal circadian cycles. This in turn, may help scientists find the corresponding gene in humans, and perhaps fix this gene in an ever, increasingly busy society. This discovery is important in that it may be the solution to several brain disorders such as mental retardation, dementia, and bipolar disease. Many of these disorders have been linked to disruptions in the sleep cycle. This may also be the solution for many sleep disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy.

Science Daily reports that some mice have abnormally long circadian periods, while others do not. Lasting from 23 hours to 27 hours, the mice differed in their cycles. The circadian pattern controls the physiological processes in all living organisms, including sleep. The gene, which the researchers appropriately named Afh for 'after-hours,' was located on the gene Fbxl3. This gene basically binds to a protein called Cryptochrome, which is supposed to regulate the clock of the circadian pattern. The degradation of this protein from the inhibiting of this protein causes the disruption in the circadian cycle, which in turn disrupts the sleep cycle. Because the gene is connected to all mammalian circadian rhythms, the next step is to find the gene in humans and set up a screening process for the same defects in humans. Then, pharmaceutical companies can target this defect, and perhaps come up with a way to cure this mutation of the gene in humans. This is increasingly important as our society moves toward a 24/7 culture, where sleep is a rarity. By finding a treating this defect, humans have the potential for better health, behavior and quality of life. The conflicting issue of sleep in our society is a dire one. Whether it is teens that don't get enough sleep, or people with sleep disorders, sleep is an issue that is prominent among many individuals today.

In an article named "School Daze" from Family Circle, a researcher named Mindell states that losing sleep is a serious health condition. One in four children have sleep problems that warrant a physician's attention. Yet the physician's often overlook this problem. According to Mindell from Family Circle, there are 81 known sleep disorders, from daytime drowsiness to nighttime insomnia, which may disrupt lifestyles. Teenagers show the significant need for 9 hours and 15 minutes of rest daily. But this is interfered by the sleep-related hormone melatonin which releases at a different time than normal. With the discovery of the gene Afh, this may be the end to the irregular releases of the hormone, melatonin. By finding out a way to prevent the gene from binding to the protein called Cryptochrome, people's circadian cycles, including teens will be set to a normal hour. With all the disruptions in sleep, from the irregular circadian cycles, to sleep disorders, society will be a better place once we can all establish a regular sleep pattern. From the discovery of the gene, to the solution of preventing the gene from ever attaching to the protein that regulates our circadian pattern, people will still be plagued by sleeplessness. As the outlook for sleep grows brighter, people will be waiting for the day when everyone can sleep tight.

Source: (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070510120713.htm)

(http://familycircle.com/fc/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/fc/story/data/1157650440797.xml)