Sleep Loss is a Metabolic Disorder

This piece, by Onno Berkan, was published on 04/15/25. The original text, by Feeney et al., was published by Science Signaling on 04/08/25.

This Saint Joseph's University study examines how sleep loss fundamentally disrupts cellular metabolism throughout the body, characterizing it as a metabolic disorder. The researchers explain that losing sleep significantly changes how our cells process and use energy.

One of the key findings is that sleep deprivation increases the body's energy expenditure, creating a negative energy balance where cells don't have enough resources to support their normal functions. This is particularly problematic for neurons with high energy demands, which use about 20% of the body's oxygen and 25% of its glucose.

During periods of sleep loss, the body makes several necessary metabolic adjustments:

First, there are changes in how cells handle energy production. Sleep deprivation reduces the efficiency of ATP production and increases the production of harmful reactive oxygen species. This creates a state where cells must prioritize survival over other important but less immediately essential functions.

Second, sleep loss affects how the brain processes glucose and regulates metabolites. Even one night of partial sleep deprivation can increase insulin resistance throughout the body, causing cells more difficulty using glucose for energy, which is particularly problematic for brain function.

Third, sleep deprivation disrupts the regular interaction between neurons and supporting cells called astrocytes. This disruption affects how the brain manages energy resources and maintains proper function, particularly in processes like memory formation.

The researchers highlight that these metabolic changes have significant consequences, especially for memory formation and cognitive function. When sleep-deprived, the brain essentially enters a power-saving mode, directing limited energy resources away from processes like memory formation to maintain basic cellular survival.

Perhaps most concerning, the study suggests that chronic sleep loss may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This is because the metabolic profiles seen in sleep-deprived individuals share similarities with those observed in these disorders.

The implications are particularly relevant, given that, according to the study, about one-third of adults and three-quarters of teenagers in the United States report not getting enough sleep. The researchers emphasize that understanding these metabolic consequences is crucial for preventing and treating various health conditions.

Want to submit a piece? Or trying to write a piece and struggling? Check out the guides here!

Thank you for reading. Reminder: Byte Sized is open to everyone! Feel free to submit your piece. Please read the guides first though.

All submissions to berkan@usc.edu with the header “Byte Sized Submission” in Word Doc format please. Thank you!