Merikanto Ilona, Partonen Timo, Lahti Tuuli
Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos, mielenterveys ja päihdepalvelut PL 30, 00271 Helsinki.
Duodecim. 2011;127(1):57-64.
Evolution is a continuous process that changes population genetics towards greater adaptation. Sleep is an example of a conservative trait that appears everywhere and is regulated similarly in the animal kingdom. Because of this similarity in sleep regulation different animal models and genetic modification can be used in basic research and in studies of sleep related diseases. Recent research has enlightened the function of the clock genes and the synaptic plasticity during sleep, so that we can better understand the need for sleep and the effects of sleep loss. This knowledge is needed in order to prevent and treat sleep related diseases.
进化是一个持续的过程，它使种群基因朝着更强的适应性变化。睡眠是一种保守特征的例子，它在各处都有出现，并且在动物界受到类似的调节。由于睡眠调节的这种相似性，不同的动物模型和基因改造可用于基础研究以及与睡眠相关疾病的研究。最近的研究揭示了睡眠期间生物钟基因的功能以及突触可塑性，从而使我们能够更好地理解睡眠的必要性以及睡眠不足的影响。为了预防和治疗与睡眠相关的疾病，需要这些知识。
