In a current bit of science – no fantasy here – it turns out your genes’ proper self-expression depends on making sure you spend enough time dreaming.
We’ve mentioned before that lack of sleep increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, foggy thinking and a slower reaction time. But now we know why. When you don’t get enough shut-eye, you damage what’s called gene expression, the translation of basic info encoded in your genes into protein production that, in turn, sends out messages that influence how every cell in your body operates. And instead of humming along, producing a specific protein in a well-regulated way, some genes trigger the production of very confused or abnormal proteins. These abnormal proteins cause dysfunction in your metabolism and immune system (never a good thing) and increase bodywide inflammation and stress.
So, if you’re not getting seven to nine hours of restful sleep most nights, you want to start a Dream of Jeannie routine: Set a bedtime and stick to it. No TV or digital devices in the bedroom. Use earplugs or eyeshades if noise or light bothers you. Don’t eat within about three hours of hitting the hay. And don’t try to put one over on your gene-ies.
– Dr. Michael Roizen & Dr. Mehmet Oz
© 2013 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.