Scientists, including one of Indian origin, have identified a gene that makes a person sleepy when they are sick. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that a single gene, called nemuri, fights germs with its inherent antimicrobial activity and drives prolonged, deep sleep after an infection. “Our study directly links sleep to the immune system and provides a potential explanation for how sleep increases during sickness,” said Amita Sehgal, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
