The scientific research conducted by scientists from the Royal College of London has once again proven how dangerous the disruption of circadian rhythms – the body's natural daily biological clock – is for the organism. The research findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal, emphasizing that working or not sleeping at night can lead to muscle aging and weakness.
Muscle cells also operate on a "clock"
According to scientists, each muscle cell has an "internal clock" that regulates the process of protein damage and recovery. During the day, muscles experience stress through various physical activities, while at night, damaged cells are cleaned and restored. If there is an obstacle in this process – that is, if a person is constantly active at night – the recovery mechanism fails.
Observations conducted through zebrafish
To study this process, scientists used zebrafish, whose genes are 70 percent similar to humans. They altered the genes responsible for the biological clock in the fish's muscles. During a two-year experiment, these fish stopped growing, did not gain weight, and according to observers, weakened day by day.
This condition, according to scientists, is similar in humans – those who work continuously at night, shift workers, and even students experience a decrease in muscle mass and general weakness.
The connection between lifestyle and health
Professor Jeffrey Kelu, who led the research, stated:
“In the UK alone, 4 million people work at night. Our research shows that such a lifestyle can lead to rapid aging of their muscles. Reducing sleep clearly poses a serious threat to a healthy life.”
Solution – proper sleep and new medications
Scientists also emphasize that the results of this research could serve as a basis for the development of new types of medications capable of regulating the biological clock. Such medications could be of great importance, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or the sick.
Conclusion: do not forget to sleep 7–8 hours at night
Experts' final recommendation is clear: sleeping at least 7–8 hours every night is crucial for the human body, especially for the recovery of muscle tissues. Otherwise, muscle cells may miss the opportunity for renewal, which can lead to premature aging.
Such scientific conclusions remind us once again that we need to reconsider our lifestyle and approach our health more responsibly.
