Could portable oxygen users benefit from eating more protein?
Portable oxygen can help people revitalise when they feel tired and new research suggests eating protein may also help.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge found amino acids prevent glucose from blocking orexin cells - the process that had previously been cited as the cause behind post-meal sleepiness.
Lead researcher Dr Denis Burdakov of the institution's Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Metabolic Science, said: "Research suggests that if you have a choice between jam on toast, or egg whites on toast, go for the latter."
This may not only leave people feeling more alert, but it could also combat obesity, as orexin cells are important for burning calories.
Dr Burdakov said the study, which was published in the journal Neuron, shows how dietary composition is "critical" in the way brain cells work.
This comes after a recent study published in the journal Sleep revealed lonely individuals are more likely to be affected by fragmented slumber than well-connected people.
Posted by James Worrall
18/11/2011 14:57:10
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