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Focus on lack of sleep: How it affects the brain and mind
A meta-study from the University of Düsseldorf shows how chronic sleep disorders influence brain structure and could improve therapeutic approaches.
Focus on lack of sleep: How it affects the brain and mind
Sleep disorders are a widespread problem that has a significant impact on the lives of those affected. Around 20 to 35 percent of the population suffers from chronic sleep disorders, with this number rising to up to 50 percent in older people. Almost every teenager and adult experiences short-term sleep deficits caused by various factors such as parties, long work days or excessive cell phone use. A comprehensive meta-study carried out by researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and other institutions now reveals neuronal differences between chronic and acute sleep problems. The results of this study were recently published in the renowned journal JAMA Psychiatry, as [hhu.de] reports.
The research includes data from 231 brain studies involving a total of 3,380 people. The results show significant changes in specific brain regions associated with sleep disorders. Specifically, chronic sleep disorders show changes in the anterior cingulate cortex, right amygdala, and hippocampus. These regions are crucial for processing emotions, memories and decisions. Additional symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation range from exhaustion to memory problems to mood swings and depression. In the event of a short-term lack of sleep, however, changes occur in the right thalamus, which is responsible for temperature regulation, movement and the sensation of pain, reports [scinexx.de].
Long-term and short-term sleep disorders
The study also showed that there are no overlapping brain regions between chronic sleep disorders and acute sleep deprivation. While chronic sleep problems are associated with shrinkage and reduced activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, acute sleep deprivation increases activity and connectivity in the thalamus. These differences highlight that different therapies may be necessary for different types of sleep disorders.
Chronic poor sleep has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for mental illness, particularly in adolescents and older adults. Patients who suffer from chronic sleep disorders have an increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders and even dementia. The study's findings could help develop more targeted therapies and take preventive measures to combat sleep deficits. Future studies could focus on specific brain regions and networks associated with different sleep disorders, the researchers said.
Understanding the complex connections between sleep disorders and the brain regions affected could potentially lead to more effective treatment options. Current therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), and pharmacological treatments. These are essential for many patients to improve their quality of life and avoid the risky health consequences of a permanent lack of sleep, as shown in the study by [scinexx.de].