Deep Rest Cell

Telomeres

Telomeres are protective tips on chromosomes, and they shrink a little each time a cell divides. Stress appears to accelerate this deterioration, leading to cellular aging. Telomerase, an enzyme that reverses telomere loss, may become active during deep rest.

How stress – or deep rest – may change our body’s most fundamental units

Mitochondria

Mitochondria produce the energy our cells use. Over time, however, stress can damage these powerhouse organelles, leaving defective bits behind.

Energy Use

Cells power our activities with ATP molecules made by mitochondria. Stressed cells divert ATP from routine to survival-related activities like increasing heart rate. Cells burn more energy and age faster when they are stressed for long periods: Their telomeres shorten, they promote inflammation, and they die sooner. Researchers think that during deep rest, cells redirect ATP toward restoration – and overall energy expenditure drops.

Stressed Cell

Cellular Recycling

When stressed, cells neglect routine maintenance, accumulating damage and detritus. Researchers think that during deep rest, a process called autophagy resumes, recycling useless cellular components – including defective mitochondria.

Reactive Chemicals

At normal levels, highly reactive chemicals called ROS contribute to cells’ health. But damage to mitochondria and inflammation during stress may increase ROS to levels that harm cellular structures, including telomeres. Deep rest may protect against excessive ROS.

Rested Cell