Sleep deprivation is a quick and efficient way to treat depression. It works 60 to 70 percent of the time—far better than existing drugs—but the mood boost usually lasts only until the patient falls asleep. As an ongoing treatment, sleep deprivation is impractical, but researchers have been studying the phenomenon in an effort to uncover the cellular mechanisms behind depression and remission. Now a team at Tufts University has pinpointed glia as the key players.
The researchers previously found that astrocytes, a star-shaped type of glial cell, regulate the brain chemicals involved in sleepiness. During our waking hours, astrocytes continuously release the neurotransmitter adenosine, which builds up in the brain and causes “sleep pressure,” the feeling of sleepiness and its related memory and attention impairments. The neurotransmitter causes this pressure by binding to adenosine receptors on the outside of neurons like a key fitting into a lock. As more adenosine builds up, more receptors are triggered, and the urge to sleep gets stronger.
The best way to prevent sleep deprivation is to make sure you get adequate sleep. Follow the recommended guidelines for your age group, which is 7 to 9 hours for most adults ages 18 to 64. Hello, from what i understand,i think u had a panic attak when ur very tierd and you dont sleep ur become hyper, thats the way ur body keeps going.but ur brain needs its rest so u feel this uneasy feeling (anxious)some ppl feel like they are having a heart attack or they r going to faint.i know that becaues i have the same symptoms and wores.my advice to u is cut off on caffein, suger.
In the new study, published online January 15 in the journal Translational Psychiatry, the scientists investigated whether this process is responsible for the antidepressant effects of sleep deprivation. Mice with depressivelike symptoms were administered three doses of a compound that triggers adenosine receptors, thus mimicking sleep deprivation. Although the mice continued to sleep normally, after 12 hours they showed a rapid improvement in mood and behavior, which lasted for 48 hours.
The results confirm that the adenosine buildup is responsible for the antidepressant effects of a lack of sleep. This finding points to a promising target for new drug development because it suggests that mimicking sleep deprivation chemically may offer the antidepressant benefits without the unwanted side effects of actually skipping sleep. Such an intervention could offer immediate relief from depression, in stark contrast with traditional antidepressants, which take six to eight weeks to kick in.
The study may also have implications beyond depression and sleep regulation, according to Dustin Hines, lead author and a postdoctoral fellow at Tufts. “For many years neuroscientists focused almost exclusively on neurons, whereas the role of glia was neglected,” Hines says. “We now know that glia play an important role in the control of brain function and have the potential to aid in the development of new treatments for many illnesses, including depression and sleep disorders.”
How to Prevent Sleep Deprivation During Finals Week
Caffeine, Late Night Studying and Stress Likely to Keep Students Tossing and Turning
December 3, 2008
UC San Diego students will take final exams the week of Dec. 8 and the cramming, testing jitters and coffee consumption will lead to sleep deprivation (and lower test scores) for many of the university’s 28,500 students.
Sleep deprivation is one of the major health problems affecting students and is the second leading health impediment to academic success. Erratic schedules, caffeine consumption and anxiety all cause students to suffer from insomnia during finals week when sleep deprivation spikes among students, especially freshmen.
“During finals week nervous students are pulling all nighters and drinking caffeine,” said Jerry Phelps, director of the UC San Diego Wellness Center. “All of these factors are the perfect prescription for insomnia.”
A recent study of UC San Diego students by the College Health Association Assessment found that only 23 percent reported getting eight hours of sleep per night and 25 percent reported that sleep deprivation affected their academic achievements.
Seniors also are susceptible to sleep deprivation as they approach graduation, Phelps said. “They have been in school their whole life,” he said. “Typically during winter quarter, their anxiety increases and this year’s senior class is predicted to be especially nervous about entering the job market during this economic downturn.”
UC San Diego’s Wellness Center offers students a variety of solutions to combat sleep deprivation, including a relaxing podcast and tips, such as:
Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, diet drugs and especially in energy drinks.
Avoid alcohol: Many students don’t know that while alcohol causes drowsiness, it contributes to insomnia. Alcohol disrupts normal sleep patterns, increasing fatigue the next day. While alcohol makes a person drowsy, it often increases wakefulness during the second half of sleep, causing restlessness and fitful sleep.
Use your bed for sleeping: Students should study in a quiet place, but not in bed. Students often stay up reading, but they’ll begin to associate their beds with studying, which won’t help them relax at night.
Take a nap: Twenty-minute naps help to catch up on sleep, boost alertness and physical stamina.
4k stogram 2 6 6 – download instagram photos download. Set a consistent bedtime and wake time: Although shifting class schedules and student activities at night can interfere with sleep patterns, students should to try to go to bed at a set time each night and get up at the same time each morning. “Sleeping in” on weekends also makes it harder to wake up early on Monday morning because it resets your sleep cycles for a later awakening.
Exercise regularly (but not immediately before bed): Try to exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day. Daily exercise often helps people sleep, although a workout soon before bedtime may interfere with sleep. For maximum benefit, exercise five to six hours before going to bed.
Don’t pull an all-nighter: Studies show that students remember detailed course material better the next day if they get a good night's sleep rather than stay up all night trying to “cram” more information into their already bursting brains.
Don’t stress: A lot of students tend to have a perfectionist attitude but they should prioritize and have realistic expectations. Anxiety leads to insomnia and students get the highest scores when they’re not tired or hungry. Students need to take care of their body mind and spirit to be at their best.
And finally, students should see a doctor if their sleeping problems continue. “UC San Diego’s Student Health Services can treat student with aliments, such as sleep apnea throughout the year,” Phelps said. “Sleep should be at to top of a student’s need list, not want.”
Top 10: Survival Strategies for Finals & the Holidays By Karla Materna of UC San Diego’s Psychological and Counseling Services
1. Plan Your Schedule and Set Some Limits. Identify your priorities and put them on your schedule. Learn to say no.
2. Schedule Time for Self-Care! Make certain you set aside some time for exercise, sleep and pleasant activities.
3. Eat Well Moderation is the key. As much as possible eat while seated at a table.
4. Monitor Caffeine Don’t drink too much (or you’ll feel anxious, restless and have poor sleep).
5. Stay in the Present! Do not focus on the past or future. Be here now.
6. Reach Out For Support and Companionship
7. Be Nice To Others. Give compliments and smile. Avoid negative or rude people. Do something for someone else.