TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will host a panel discussion on “Why Sleep is Important for Health” on April 16 at Troy Saving Music Hall. RPI professors will present their research on the link between circadian rhythms and the immune system.
In 2023, the National Institutes of Health awarded RPI Associate Professor Jennifer Hurley, Ph.D., a grant of more than $2,116,990 to expand her research on circadian cycles.
“[Circadian] Rhythms enable our bodies to follow the 24-hour day and night cycle that is common on this planet,” Dr. Hurley said.
Hurley added that because circadian rhythms time immune responses, the RPI Institute is studying what happens when humans disrupt that pattern.
“What we found is that when circadian rhythms are disrupted, metabolism is disrupted, and that metabolism disrupts immune responses, which can lead to long-term health effects,” Hurley said.
The research team's research has shown that sleep disorders are associated with a variety of medical conditions, including neurological disorders, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
Hurley said modern technology and lifestyles do not help us adhere to the natural day-night cycle.
“We use bright blue screens in the morning, evening and midnight,” Dr. Hurley said. “This bright blue light reminds our brains of morning light, which can really confuse us and delay our sleep cycles.”
To better protect your circadian rhythm, Dr. Hurley suggests increasing light awareness in your daily routine, soaking up more morning sunlight after you wake up, and setting your phone to amber each time the sun sets. did.
The public is invited to attend the “Why Sleep Is Important to Your Health” panel discussion on Tuesday, April 16th at 5pm at Troy Saving Music Hall.
“I invite you all to join us in this discussion. We're all asleep, but we've all done things wrong when it comes to circadian processes,” Dr. Hurley said. “[We’ll share] How can you better adjust your sleep and activity time to live a healthy lifestyle? ”
