Despite the incredible adaptability of the human body, it is certain that we could not survive long without sleep. “Sleep is a must, very costly in terms of safety. It is obvious that we would not have inherited this from evolution if it were not vital, ”emphasizes Isabelle Arnulf.
Consolidation of memory, preparation to face threats, emotional regulation, better creativity ... Many functions of sleep and dreams continue to be explored and discovered every year. “Only three years ago, we discovered that specific channels open in our brain when we sleep,” explains the specialist. “They help evacuate a number of toxins from the brain. And they also open when you play sports! ”
Friday, for the fifth consecutive year, took place the day “Together against rheumatism” , organized by the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), the French Society of Rheumatology, the Arthritis Foundation and 17 associations . The opportunity to take stock of osteoarthritis with Pr Francis Berenbaum, head of the rheumatology department at Saint-Antoine hospital in Paris.
Prof. Francis Berenbaum. - Although its frequency is higher in the elderly, osteoarthritis also affects young people. For example, a teenager who has a severe trauma to the knee in a skiing accident has a one in two risk of developing osteoarthritis within ten years. Obesity and overweight also play an important role: an obese person from adolescence can suffer from osteoarthritis from the age of 30. Metabolic diseases associated with it, such as diabetes and hypertension, are also involved.
The third risk factor is obviously age. We have circulating cells in the body that are capable of producing molecules for inflammation . We are talking about senescent cells. It seems that as we age, we eliminate these cells less and less well. And it's not impossible that one of the reasons we see more osteoarthritis in the elderly is the buildup of these cells in the joints. And then a sedentary lifestyle also promotes osteoarthritis because when a joint is not stressed enough, the cartilage is damaged.