Cited by 542Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model OrganismsCircadian rhythm and melatoninSleep and Wakefulness Research

Sleep Loss Can Cause Death through Accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Gut

Open access
Vaccaro, Alexandra, Kaplan Dor, Yosef, Nambara, Keishi, Pollina, Elizabeth A., Lin, Cindy, Greenberg, Michael E., Rogulja, Dragana·2020·Cell

Abstract

The view that sleep is essential for survival is supported by the ubiquity of this behavior, the apparent existence of sleep-like states in the earliest animals, and the fact that severe sleep loss can be lethal. The cause of this lethality is unknown. Here we show, using flies and mice, that sleep deprivation leads to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequent oxidative stress, specifically in the gut. ROS are not just correlates of sleep deprivation but drivers of death: their neutralization prevents oxidative stress and allows flies to have a normal lifespan with little to no sleep. The rescue can be achieved with oral antioxidant compounds or with gut-targeted transgenic expression of antioxidant enzymes. We conclude that death upon severe sleep restriction can be caused by oxidative stress, that the gut is central in this process, and that survival without sleep is possible when ROS accumulation is prevented. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.cell.2020.04.049

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252 of 252 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Vaccaro, A., Kaplan Dor, Y., Nambara, K., Pollina, E. A., Lin, C., Greenberg, M. E., & Rogulja, D.
Affiliations
Harvard University (US)
Corresponding author
Rogulja, Dragana
Venue
Cell
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2020-06
Volume
181
Issue
6
Pages
1307-1328.e15
ISSN
0092-8674 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3033924751
Cited by
541
References
252
Citations by year
2026: 79 · 2025: 127 · 2024: 109 · 2023: 92 · 2022: 63 · 2021: 53 · 2020: 18
FWCI
18.77
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cell (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Pew Charitable Trusts
  • New York Stem Cell Foundation
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Aging › Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Sleep and Wakefulness Research
Keywords
sleep deprivation, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, intestine, antioxidant enzymes, lifespan, oral antioxidants, Drosophila, mice
MeSH terms
Animals, Antioxidants, Drosophila, Male, Mice, Inbred CBA, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Sleep, Sleep Deprivation, Reactive Oxygen Species, Oxidative Stress, Gastrointestinal Tract, Mice

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