A lack of sleep 'damages the brain in a similar way to being hit on the head'

Ever feel like you’ve been hit on the head after a bad night’s sleep? According to scientists, the thought isn’t as far-fetched as it seems.

A study found going without sleep for just one night causes changes in the brain similar to those that occur after a blow to the head.

The researchers said the healthy young men examined in the study showed a spike in the same chemicals which indicate brain damage.

Being sleep deprived causes a similar change in the brain to that seen after a head injury - it results in a spike in the chemicals associated with brain injury

Professor Christian Benedict, of Uppsala University, Sweden, explained that the chemcials NSE and S-100B are biomarkers for brain damage, such as concussion. To read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2531729/A-lack-sleep-damages-brain-similar-way-hit-head.html