Research has shown that many brain/mood disorders are associated with sleep abnormalities- in particular, with REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep. REM sleep is associated with about 20% of our total sleep time. So, it’s not surprising that researchers decided to investigate the effects of sleep on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), given the propensity of this disorder in returnees from the Iraq/Afghanistan wars.
It seems that the amygala/hippocampus region of the brain (the area responsible for emotional processing) is among those areas that are negatively affected by failure to acheive REM sleep. Our body uses REM sleep to alleviate stress and remove or attenuate bad memories. And, given the fact that PTSD sufferers endure nightmares, which would mean that REM sleep is disrupted, it’s not surprising that their brains can’t deal with these painful memories.
In this new research, Drs. Van der Helm, Yao, Dutt, Rao, Saletin, and Walker (UC Berkeley) studied 35 test subjects. Divided into two groups, they were presented 150 images while their brain activity was monitored by MRI. One group viewed the images in the morning and at night (12 h separation), staying awake during the interim period. The other group viewed the images in the evening, slept, and viewed them again the next morning.
The group which was able to sleep had a lower emotional reaction to the second viewing of the images. The MRI scans demonstrated reduction in amygdala activity. Moreover, while sleeping the subjects were monitored by EEG (electroencenphalograms); the EEG demonstrated reduced levels of neurochemical release (which is associated with stress). Since REM sleep is associated with decreased levels of norephinephrine (which is elevated during stress), this finding was not surprising.
It turns out that taking blood pressure medication seems to surpress norepinephrine secretion in the brain. Which means that PTSD sufferers may gain benefit by taking the medication, which could let their brains process the negative experiences, letting them lead more normal lives.
That’s a fascinating study Roy. I can relate to some of the finding because it seems to me that as I get older I’m more in need of REM sleep. I’m at the point where I need to have complete darkness and silence in order to get a really restful sleep. The times when I sleep with the TV on I seem to have the worst nightmares and I’m very restless.
I take medication for high-blood pressure, I’m wondering if the study mentioned the specific medication that was used.
Thanks for sharing this topic.
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Ileane:
So glad you like the post. Yes, there is more to REM sleep and resting than just PTSD issues. There is a follow-up post on just that issue in the queue.
Regarding the blood pressure control medication, that was from a study that was not yet reported (or completed)0 which gives me the opportunity for another blog post 🙂 . But, it was generic prescription involved, from what was discussed.
Roy
Ok, thanks Roy. I look forward to the follow up post.
If I don’t get a chance to chat with you by the weekend – have a Happy New Year! Best wishes for your continued success.
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Thanks, Ileane.
Hope you have a great weekend and holiday, as well!
Roy
have any of you or do you know of those who have trouble now with a tv being on, you know with the changing light pattern bothering you? it does me something terrible….
Ah, Claire, you would NOT do well in our house. Generally, the TV is on 24X7 if I am home (or my son, in his room). But, I think since both TV’s are about 18 feet away from the head of the bed, the changing light is not a large issue (or maybe we only watch dark programs…)
But, seriously, that is why many people require room darkening shades- they awake as the sun provides its morning sparkle. (We all wake up like that; my daughters had the room darkening shades because they were unwilling to join in the sun’s parade). If light is an issue, then you may want to try darkening the tv (I assume it’s new enough for such a setting) or better yet, set it for automatic shutoff after 15, 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes…