15/06/2025

NATIONAL 6 ON SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2025

Impact of sleep deprivation on brain health

KUALA LUMPUR: In the fast-paced world of today, sleep is often sacrificed for work, social engagements and screen time. Many Malaysians consistently compromise sleep without fully grasping the long-term consequences. A nationwide survey revealed 87.2% of respondents experience some form of sleep disturbance, from insomnia to frequent waking or difficulty falling asleep. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 revealed 38% of Malaysian adults are affected by insufficient sleep. Urban residents aged 40 to 59 were found to be among the most susceptible. Just like food, water and air, sleep is essential. It plays a critical role in memory consolidation, learning and emotional regulation, among others. Sleep also enables the brain to clear out metabolic waste, including beta-amyloid proteins, which have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. A growing body of research continues to highlight the widespread effects of sleep deprivation and a recent study from a university is raising fresh concerns about its impact on brain health. The study also offers hope, pointing to a natural compound that could help protect against cognitive decline linked to insufficient sleep. Ź -Caryophyllene (BCP) is found in herbs and spices such as cloves rosemary, black pepper and oregano. The compound may hold

Compound found naturally in herbs and spices has potential to counteract adverse effects: Study potential as a natural remedy to combat the damaging effects of sleep deprivation on the brain. Monash University neuroscientist Dr Yatinesh Kumari Singh, who was involved in the study, said sleep is fundamental to brain function. “We’re starting to see the impact of chronic sleep deprivation on cognitive health and it’s concerning,” she said. The study, initiated two years ago by Yatinesh and her research team, explores various strategies to counteract the adverse effects of prolonged sleep loss. BCP showed promise due to its

interaction the endocannabinoid system – a network of receptors in the body that regulates inflammation, pain and brain activity. “The potential of BCP to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain could be transformative, especially for individuals facing cognitive challenges due to chronic sleep loss. Our research is focused on how BCP might preserve cognitive function over time, despite ongoing sleep disturbances.” Sleep also plays a vital role in supporting the glymphatic system of the brain, a waste-clearing mechanism that helps remove toxic proteins, including beta-amyloid. In a well-rested brain, this system works efficiently to eliminate these waste products. “However, when sleep is disrupted, the glymphatic system falters, leading to the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins that accelerate cognitive decline. “What researchers are now focusing on is how BCP could help counter these effects. By binding to cannabinoid 2 receptors, BCP may with

Yatinesh said when sleep is disrupted, the glymphatic system falters, leading to accumulation of neurotoxic proteins that accelerate cognitive decline. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

observed in human subjects.” “It will take another two years before we’re ready to publish findings. The biggest hurdle is ensuring our zebrafish results translate effectively to humans. While the early data is promising, more studies are needed to confirm that BCP is both effective and safe for human use,” she said.

reduce the inflammatory response of the brain, potentially preventing or at least slowing down damage caused by sleep deprivation.” The research team is using zebrafish models to study how sleep deprivation affects brain function. “Zebrafish are genetically similar to humans and display cognitive behaviours that closely mirror those

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