Recent research underscores the critical role of good sleep practices in mental health. Experts in medicine and science have identified links between sleep disorders and a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, … Read more
Recent research underscores the critical role of good sleep practices in mental health. Experts in medicine and science have identified links between sleep disorders and a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, dementia, and brain injuries. Previously, these sleep problems were often considered just symptoms of pre-existing mental health conditions, yet today’s findings suggest that poor sleep can actually exacerbate neurological disorders. This information comes from research presented by the Society for Neuroscience during their yearly gathering on November 5th, 2018. The Society for Neuroscience is renowned as a leading and extensive source for news related to neuroscience and mental health.
The study aims to understand better the brain mechanisms linked to disrupted sleep and irregular circadian rhythms, and hopefully, discover new ways to prevent and alleviate disorders that are affected by irregular circadian rhythms such as anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Even though scientists still don’t have a clear understanding of how sleep exacerbates certain brain disorders, the research emphasizes the importance of prioritizing healthy and regular sleep.
At the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, researchers have, among other topics, studied and presented the impact of concussions after more extended periods of sleep deprivation, and found out that brain injuries negatively affect circadian rhythms. The brain mechanisms which may worsen anxiety in sleep-deprived individuals were also presented. More research has to be conducted, but studies so far indicate that deep slow-wave sleep is required to calm the overactive regions of the mind. Lastly, neuroscientists have discovered that astrocytes, a circadian clock gene, play an important role in Alzheimer’s pathology. Disruption of the circadian rhythm on a cellular level can lead to neuroinflammation and exacerbate mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
Among other findings, all studies presented at this year’s annual meeting help us understand why sleep is disrupted in so many patients suffering from mental or brain issues. Treatments that regulate circadian rhythms, such as sleep-focused therapies may be beneficial in preventing a number of brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and anxiety. This furthermore emphasizes the vital role of sleep for our physical and mental wellbeing.
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