The most underestimated resource of the human body discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA
Poor sleep quality and chronic sleep deprivation are worse than an unhealthy diet. This view was expressed by Vyacheslav Dubynin, Professor at the Faculty of Biology of Lomonosov Moscow State University, during the plenary session "Scientific Foundations of a Healthy Lifestyle" at the National Centre RUSSIA on Russian Science Day.
"Unlike artificial neural networks, where memory is stored in differential equations, human memory relies on connections between neurons – protein-lipid cells – which deteriorate over time and require restoration. Sleep deprivation disrupts these processes, which is why sleep is called the most underestimated resource of the body. For modern people, lack of sleep and poor-quality sleep are among the main problems, even more important than poor nutrition and physical inactivity," Vyacheslav Dubynin said.
Sleep is not only rest and resource recovery, but also work with information. During sleep, the brain disconnects from incoming signals and processes accumulated data, the expert explained. The duration of sleep and maintaining a consistent routine are critically important.
"Sleep occurs in cycles, each lasting about one and a half hours, and each cycle includes a phase of resource recovery and a paradoxical phase of information processing, which is visible on an electroencephalogram. The minimum reasonable amount of sleep is four cycles (around six hours), but five cycles (approximately 7.5 hours) are better. <…> Fluctuations are also undesirable. For example, sleeping more than 9–10 hours disrupts lymphatic drainage. Daytime sleep is beneficial, but it should be short – 15–20 minutes, or one full cycle – 1.5 hours," Vyacheslav Dubynin explained.
The scientist added that daytime sleep greatly supports productive work on creative projects, such as writing books or scientific articles.
Russian Science Day was held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 8 February. The event brought together more than 2,000 scientists, experts and students from across the country. The full recording of the plenary session "Scientific Foundations of a Healthy Lifestyle" is available on the website russia.ru.
