Neurologist Discusses the Essentiality of Sleep to Nizhny Novgorod Residents
In the intricate dance of life, sleep plays a pivotal role, serving as a crucial period of rest and rejuvenation for the human body. This article delves into the significance of sleep, focusing on two key aspects: the circadian rhythm and the homeostatic sleep drive.
The circadian rhythm, an internal 24-hour biological clock, reacts to light and darkness, signalling the body when to be awake and when to prepare for sleep. This rhythm is controlled by a small area in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which receives information from the eyes [1]. Each sleep cycle includes two main phases: slow-wave sleep and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep [2].
REM sleep, characterized by rapid eye movement and high brain activity, similar to when we are awake, is crucial for emotional processing, learning new skills, and creative thinking. It is during this phase that we experience the most vivid and memorable dreams [3]. REM sleep also helps the brain "digest" daily experiences, aiding in the consolidation of short-term memories [4].
The homeostatic sleep drive, or "sleep pressure," is the accumulation of a substance called adenosine in the brain. The longer we are awake, the more we want to sleep [5]. During deep slow-wave sleep (stage N3), the brain actively "cleans up," removing accumulated toxins [6]. This phase is particularly important for physical recovery, growth, immune system strengthening, and consolidating declarative memory (facts and events) [7].
The circadian rhythm and the homeostatic sleep drive work together to regulate sleep patterns. These two internal clocks and processes ensure that we get the right amount and type of sleep at the right time [8]. Without sufficient sleep, the brain's mechanism becomes disrupted, affecting concentration, memory, mood, and decision-making abilities [9].
Chronic sleep deprivation has serious long-term effects on both mental health and physical conditions. Mentally, it increases risks of low mood, irritability, cognitive decline, memory impairment, and decreased cognitive flexibility, which affects one's ability to adapt to changing environments and make decisions [10][11][12]. It is also strongly linked to increased risk of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety [2][3][5].
Physically, chronic sleep deprivation contributes to heightened risks of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. It also promotes metabolic dysregulation leading to weight gain, diabetes (especially type 2), and obesity. The immune system is impaired, resulting in lowered defense against infections and slower recovery from illnesses. In addition, the stress hormone cortisol is elevated, which negatively affects many body systems including the central nervous system [1][3][4].
Overall, chronic sleep deprivation increases mortality risk and bodily dysfunctions involving cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, metabolic, and immune health, while significantly degrading cognitive and emotional well-being. Restoring adequate, high-quality sleep is essential for preventing these negative outcomes and improving long-term health [4].
Neurophysiologist Amalia Tsurukyan explains that sleep is an active and important phase of brain function. By understanding the intricacies of sleep regulation, we can better appreciate the importance of prioritising sleep in our daily lives.
Sleep's significance extends to mental health, as chronic sleep deprivation increases the risks of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety [2][3][5]. It also affects cognitive functions, causing concentration difficulties, memory impairment, and decreased cognitive flexibility [10][11][12]. In the realm of physical health, sleep deprivation contributes to metabolic dysregulation, leading to weight gain, diabetes, and obesity [1][3][4]. Moreover, it poses serious risks to cardiovascular health, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke [1]. Therefore, prioritizing sleep is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical health. Neurophysiologist Amalia Tsurukyan reinforces this, stating that sleep is an active and essential phase of brain function.
