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Research Suggests Pulling All-Nighters Can Cause Permanent Damage

Posted by samzenpus on from the we-can-sleep-when-we're-dead dept.

First time accepted submitter nani popoki writes "Skipping a good night's sleep can cause brain damage according to a new study. From the article: 'Are you a truck driver or shift worker planning to catch up on some sleep this weekend? Cramming in extra hours of shut-eye may not make up for those lost pulling all-nighters, new research indicates. The damage may already be done — brain damage, that is, said neuroscientist Sigrid Veasey from the University of Pennsylvania. The widely held idea that you can pay back a sizeable "sleep debt" with long naps later on seems to be a myth, she said in a study published this week in the Journal of Neuroscience. Long-term sleep deprivation saps the brain of power even after days of recovery sleep, Veasey said. And that could be a sign of lasting brain injury.'"

7 of 144 comments (clear)

  1. Oh... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...Shit.

    1. Re:Oh... by Chrisq · · Score: 5, Funny

      You know what probably REALLY gives you brain damage? Superstition.

      Fortunately a lucky rabbit's foot gives 100% protection against this effect.

  2. Well that's lovely by jonnythan · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... as I read this at 1 AM when I have to be up at 6:30 tomorrow. Heh. "Tomorrow."

  3. Re:sounds implausible to me by Concerned+Onlooker · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Natural is not a synonym for healthy."

    Unless, of course, you are the tiger.

    --
    http://www.rootstrikers.org/
  4. Ah! Dream Coding... by camperdave · · Score: 4, Funny

    I remember dreaming at a keyboard, and when I snapped awake, I had found that I had typed words from my dream into my code. I decided that it was time to go home at that point.

    --
    When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
  5. Re:In mice by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    How many mice do you see teaching at universities? Zero. That should be evidence enough that staying up all night causes brain damage.

  6. Re:sounds implausible to me by infolation · · Score: 5, Funny

    Anyone who's had children knows that sleep deprivation, and all-nighters, are routine during the first two years.

    Although, arguably, bringing up kids involves a certain amount of inherent brain damage anyway.