DNA repair as a core function of sleep

John A. Lesku; Hannah Elmes

doi:10.1016/j.tins.2026.02.005

March 1, 2026Trends in NeurosciencesOpen Access

DNA repair as a core function of sleep

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Key Points

To investigate the role of sleep in DNA repair mechanisms conserved across species.
Characterized sleep patterns in two simple neuron-bearing animal species.
Examined DNA damage accumulation during wakefulness and repair during sleep.
Compared sleep-related mechanisms across different species.
DNA damage is significantly repaired during sleep.
Findings support the idea that sleep serves a fundamental biological purpose across evolution.
Evidence suggests that the capacity for DNA repair during sleep may be an ancient function.

Implication

A study reveals DNA repair occurs during sleep in neuron-bearing animals, suggesting ancient sleep functions.

Abstract

Sleep is widespread across animal species, yet its functions remain enigmatic. In a recent study, Aguillon, Harduf et al. characterize sleep in two of the simplest neuron-bearing animals to reveal that DNA, damaged while awake, is repaired during sleep. In doing so, the authors provide evidence for an evolutionarily ancient sleep function.

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Cite This Study

Lesku et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69af944f70916d39fea4b55e https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2026.02.005

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

DNA repair as a core function of sleep

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

DNA repair as a core function of sleep

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Keep reading

Keep reading