SCIENTISTS DISCOVER A NEW SLEEP NODE IN THE BRAIN

A sleep-promoting circuit located deep in the primitive brainstem has revealed how we fall into deep sleep. Discovered by researchers at Harvard School of Medicine and the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, this is only the second "sleep node" identified in the mammalian brain whose activity appears to be both necessary and sufficient to produce deep sleep.

Published online in August in Nature Neuroscience, the study demonstrates that fully half of all of the brain's sleep-promoting activity originates from the parafacial zone (PZ) in the brainstem. The brainstem is a primordial part of the brain that regulates basic functions necessary for survival, such as breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature.

"The close association of a sleep center with other regions that are critical for life highlights the evolutionary importance of sleep in the brain," says Caroline E. Bass, assistant professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and a co-author on the paper.

The researchers found that a specific type of neuron in the PZ that makes the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is responsible for deep sleep. They used a set of innovative tools to precisely control these neurons remotely, in essence giving them the ability to turn the neurons on and off at will.

"These new molecular approaches allow unprecedented control over brain function at the cellular level," says Christelle Ancelet, postdoctoral fellow at Harvard School of Medicine. "Before these tools were developed, we often used 'electrical stimulation' to activate a region, but the problem is that doing so stimulates everything the electrode touches and even surrounding areas it didn't. It was a sledgehammer approach, when what we needed was a scalpel."

"To get the precision required for these experiments, we introduced a virus into the PZ that expressed a 'designer' receptor on GABA neurons only but didn't otherwise alter brain function," explains Patrick Fuller, assistant professor at Harvard and senior author on the paper. "When we turned on the GABA neurons in the PZ, the animals quickly fell into a deep sleep without the use of sedatives or sleep aids."

How these neurons interact in the brain with other sleep and wake-promoting brain regions still need to be studied, the researchers say, but eventually these findings may translate into new medications for treating sleep disorders, including insomnia, and the development of better and safer anesthetics.

"We are at a truly transformative point in neuroscience," says Bass, "where the use of designer genes gives us unprecedented ability to control the brain. We can now answer fundamental questions of brain function, which have traditionally been beyond our reach, including the 'why' of sleep, one of the more enduring mysteries in the neurosciences."

The work was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

LOOSING SLEEP OVER YOUR DIVORCE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE COULD SUFFER

Those who experience persistent sleep problems after a divorce stand to suffer from more than just dark circles. They might also be at risk for potentially harmful increases in blood pressure, a new study finds

A growing body of research links divorce to significant negative health effects and even early death, yet few studies have looked at why that connection may exist.

Divorce-related sleep troubles may be partly to blame, suggest the authors of a new study to be published in a forthcoming issue of the journal Health Psychology.

"In the initial few months after a separation, sleep problems are probably pretty normal, and this is an adjustment process that people can typically cope with well," said UA associate professor of psychology David Sbarra, who co-authored the paper with two of his former students -- lead author Kendra Krietsh and Ashley Mason.

"But sleep problems that persist for an extended period may mean something different. It may mean that people are potentially becoming depressed, that they're struggling with getting their life going again, and it is these people that are particularly susceptible to health problems," Sbarra said.

The study looked at 138 people who had physically separated from or divorced their partner about 16 weeks before the start of the study.

Participants were asked to report on their quality of sleep during three lab visits over a seven-and-a-half-month period, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which takes into consideration sleep issues ranging from tossing and turning to snoring to difficulty falling and staying asleep. Participants' blood pressure also was measured at each of the three lab visits.

Although researchers did not observe a relationship between sleep complaints and blood pressure levels at the participants' first lab visits, they did observe a delayed effect, with participants showing increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in later visits as a function of earlier sleep problems.

"We saw changes in resting blood pressure were associated with sleep problems three months earlier. Earlier sleep problems predicted increases in resting blood pressure over time," Sbarra said.

In addition, the researchers found that the longer peoples' sleep problems persisted after their separation, the more likely those problems were to have an adverse effect on blood pressure.

"What we found was if you're having sleep problems up to about 10 weeks after your separation, they don't appear to be associated with your future increase in blood pressure," Sbarra said. "However, after 10 or so weeks -- after some sustained period of time -- there seems to be a cumulative bad effect."

For people who have high blood pressure to begin with, the increase is not to be taken lightly, Sbarra noted.

"Each standard deviation increase in sleep complaints corresponded to a roughly six unit increase in subsequent systolic blood pressure," Sbarra said. "If you're starting at the high average or low hypertensive range, this is a nontrivial bump."

Systolic is the top blood pressure number and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats; diastolic is the bottom number and measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80.

Lead study author Krietsh -- who began exploring the link between divorce, sleep and blood pressure as part of her honors thesis as a UA undergraduate -- suggests that people who have persistent difficulties sleeping after a divorce address the issue by seeking out cognitive behavioral therapy, making daily schedule adjustments that promote healthy sleep, or finding new ways to relax at bedtime.

"If somebody is going through a divorce and unable to sleep, they really need to get some help or it could lead to problems," said Krietsh, who earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the UA in 2012 and is now pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Florida.

"We are all going to go through something stressful in our lives, whether it's a divorce or something else, Krietsh said, "and this shows how important it is for all of to value sleep and take care of ourselves."

FAT TONGUE LINKED TO SLEEP APNEA RISK

Obese adults with a significantly larger tongue and higher percentage of fat are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea than others, says a study.

Common warning signs for sleep apnea include snoring and choking, gasping, or silent breathing pauses during sleep.

Obese adults with sleep apnea had significantly greater tongue volumes, tongue fat and percentage of tongue fat than obese controls without sleep apneea, the findings showed.

"This is the first study to show that fat deposits are increased in the tongue of obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea," said principal investigator Richard Schwab, a professor at University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia, US.

Further analysis found that tongue fat percentage in participants with sleep apnea was site-specific, with increased fat toward the base of the tongue in the retroglossal region

"Tongue size is one of the physical features that should be evaluated by a physician when screening obese patients to determine their risk for obstructive sleep apnea," said Timothy Morgenthaler, president, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The study involved 90 obese adults with sleep apnea and 31 obese controls without sleep apnea.

All participants underwent high resolution upper airway magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In addition to enlarging the size of the tongue, increased tongue fat may impair the functioning of the muscles that attach the tongue to the bone, preventing these muscles from positioning the tongue away from the airway, the authors proposed.

The study appeared in the journal Sleep.

The Effectiveness Of Light In Improving Sleep And Chronic Pain

Today's post from neuropathicpain.org (see link below) is an interesting look at a possible new non-drug treatment for chronic pain sufferers (including neuropathy patients). The lightbulb manufacturers Osram have conducted studies using bright light therapy to reset the body's internal 24 hour clock. Disturbed sleep is often caused by and exacerbates chronic pain and although the article doesn't go into great detail about the science of it all, it's an interesting development. One to keep an eye on.

 Light at the end of the tunnel for chronic pain
Posted by admin on 26 August, 2013
 
Prof Tolle, who is president of the German Pain Society, hopes that light
therapy will be added to the chronic pain war chest. His patients at the
Comprehensive Centre for Pain Medicine, at the Technical University of
Munich, are invited to spend four weeks undergoing their usual treatments,
but bathed in lighting that is far brighter than normal.

While an average office might be illuminated to a level of 500-800 lux (the
measure of brightness), the rooms in Prof Tolle’s clinic are lit to
3,000-4,000 lux. The spectrum of light has also been tweaked so that it
contains more blue and is comfortable to the eye. In effect, the designers
from Osram, the lighting company, have transformed a dull clinic ceiling
into a wide blue summer sky.

As Prof Tolle points out, we all feel better on a bright day. Light boxes are
already used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and are sometimes
suggested for insomnia. But this is the first time continuous bright-light
therapy has been tried for chronic pain.

Andreas Wojtysiak, an Osram biologist, explains that the aim is to reset the
body’s internal 24-hour clock – the circadian rhythm – which is often upset
in people coping with pain, affecting sleep. This in turn exacerbates pain
sensations.

“Studies show that if we don’t get proper restorative sleep, we are more prone
to depression and to sensations of pain.”

Prof Tolle adds: “Patients often note a reduction in pain if they have slept
well and managed to relax.” Sleeping pills can help, he says, but are not a
long-term solution. “And the quality of sleep won’t necessarily be good
enough to make you feel refreshed.

“We believe that the stimulation of the retina with this intensive light can
regulate sleep naturally, and we are looking at a possible causal link
between additional light, better moods and reduced pain.”

His study will monitor 100 patients having light therapy over 18 months at the
clinic.

Dr Smith is positive but cautious until results are confirmed. “We will look
at anything extra that is not a drug, and has no side effects. We want
effective treatments, and something that can normalise sleep naturally is
important in the treatment of chronic pain.”

Article source: http://telegraph.feedsportal.com/c/32726/f/568556/s/3064a79a/sc/14/l/0L0Stelegraph0O0Chealth0Calternativemedicine0C10A2653750CLight0Eat0Ethe0Eend0Eof0Ethe0Etunnel0Efor0Echronic0Epain0Bhtml/story01.htm

http://www.neuropathicpain.org/light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-for-chronic-pain/

Sleep Deprivation And Neuropathy

Today's post from informationaboutdiabetes.com (see link below) is another short article offering advice on how to sleep better. There's no doubt that very many neuropathy sufferers have disturbed night rest, for a variety of reasons not least of which is the pain and tingling that seems to strike more during the night. Some of these tips are very useful and this article is worth a read. Anything that improves sleep patterns will improve the body's ability to get through the day after.

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers: Tips For Better Sleep
By Jacqueline Marshall, Sep 17, 2015

People living with the chronic pain of peripheral neuropathy (PN) can have difficulty enjoying seven to nine hours of restful slumber each night.

Physical discomfort, worry, depression, activity limitations, and medication side effects prevent about 70 percent of chronic pain sufferers from getting adequate sleep, according to the Journal of Pain Medicine.

If the distress of PN is interfering with your nightly siesta, speak with your doctor. He or she may suggest a prescription change or recommend an additional medication that helps you doze off.

Other than medication adjustments, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy offers those with PN several other tips for getting more shuteye. By practicing these techniques persistently, your hours of rejuvenating sleep should improve within two to three weeks. 

12 Tips For Better Sleep
 
Don’t smoke. Limit or omit alcoholic beverages, and reduce caffeine consumption—particularly in the afternoon and evening.

Afternoon naps should never be more than one hour, less is preferable. 

Maintain a regular exercise routine, and complete it several hours before bedtime. 

Maintain a regular sleep schedule: turn-in at night, and rise in the morning, at the same times each day.

Avoid hot showers or baths just prior to turning in; the body needs to chill a bit before drifting into deep slumber. 

Sleep on a comfortable, supportive bed topped with comfy, supportive pillows in a slightly cool (about 65 degrees F), well ventilated, dark-as-possible bedroom.

Keep the TV and computer turned off. Better yet, do not have them in the bedroom. Both gadgets may stimulate instead of relax the mind, and electronic screen light can interfere with the production of melatonin, our sleep hormone.
Turn the clock's face away from you to avoid both its glow, and repeatedly checking the time. 

Make a habit of enjoying a soothing activity at bedtime such as listening to soft, tranquil music, listening to an audio book, doing a few simple stretches, or other relaxation exercise.

Writing thoughts down helps us let go of them and relax. Keep a note pad and pen on your nightstand to jot down any brilliant ideas or nagging thoughts keeping you awake. 

Once in bed, with eyes closed, visualize (mentally picture) a peaceful, calming activity or place. Imagine the sights, sounds, tastes, sensations, and smells you would encounter if actually there. Notice how the place or activity relaxes your body. 

Side sleepers, try placing a pillow between your legs to prevent the knees from touching. Not only is this comforting, it keeps the spine in alignment and reduces hip and lower back strain.

Pleasant dreams.

Source: Foundation for PN

http://www.informationaboutdiabetes.com/lifestyle/lifestyle/peripheral-neuropathy-sufferers-tips-for-better-sleep

LIGHT EMITTING E READ BEFORE BEDTIME CAN ADVERSELY IMPACT SLEEP

Use of a light-emitting electronic device (LE-eBook) in the hours before bedtime can adversely impact overall health, alertness, and the circadian clock which synchronizes the daily rhythm of sleep to external environmental time cues, according to researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) who compared the biological effects of reading an LE-eBook compared to a printed book. These findings of the study are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on December 22, 2014.

"We found the body's natural circadian rhythms were interrupted by the short-wavelength enriched light, otherwise known as blue light, from these electronic devices," said Anne-Marie Chang, PhD, corresponding author, and associate neuroscientist in BWH's Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders. "Participants reading an LE-eBook took longer to fall asleep and had reduced evening sleepiness, reduced melatonin secretion, later timing of their circadian clock and reduced next-morning alertness than when reading a printed book."

Previous research has shown that blue light suppresses melatonin, impacts the circadian clock and increase alertness, but little was known about the effects of this popular technology on sleep. The use of light emitting devices immediately before bedtime is a concern because of the extremely powerful effect that light has on the body's natural sleep/wake pattern, and may thereby play a role in perpetuating sleep deficiency.

During the two-week inpatient study, twelve participants read LE-e-Books on an iPad for four hours before bedtime each night for five consecutive nights. This was repeated with printed books. The order was randomized with some reading the iPad first and others reading the printed book first. Participants reading on the iPad took longer to fall asleep, were less sleepy in the evening, and spent less time in REM sleep. The iPad readers had reduced secretion of melatonin, a hormone which normally rises in the evening and plays a role in inducing sleepiness. Additionally, iPad readers had a delayed circadian rhythm, indicated by melatonin levels, of more than an hour. Participants who read from the iPad were less sleepy before bedtime, but sleepier and less alert the following morning after eight hours of sleep. Although iPads were used in this study, BWH researchers also measured other eReaders, laptops, cell phones, LED monitors, and other electronic devices, all emitting blue light.

"In the past 50 years, there has been a decline in average sleep duration and quality," stated Charles Czeisler, PhD, MD, FRCP, chief, BWH Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders. "Since more people are choosing electronic devices for reading, communication and entertainment, particularly children and adolescents who already experience significant sleep loss, epidemiological research evaluating the long-term consequences of these devices on health and safety is urgently needed."

Researchers emphasize the importance of these findings, given recent evidence linking chronic suppression of melatonin secretion by nocturnal light exposure with the increased risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer.