Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026
04:33
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
1.2K
Connectivity within the default mode network mediates the association between chronotype and sleep quality
Yun Tian1,2, Xinyuan Chen1,2, Dan Xu1,2
1Sleep and NeuroImaging Center, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
Journal of Sleep Research
|December 4, 2019
Summary
Late chronotype is linked to poor sleep quality due to altered brain connectivity. Increased neural communication in the default mode network (DMN) may explain why night owls sleep poorly.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Chronobiology
Background:
- Late chronotype, or being a "night owl," is associated with diminished sleep quality.
- The underlying neural mechanisms connecting chronotype and sleep quality are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms linking late chronotype to poor sleep quality.
- To examine the role of the default mode network (DMN) in this association.
Main Methods:
- Eyes-open resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) was used in 87 participants.
- Functional connectivity was analyzed within four subregions of the DMN.
- Partial correlation and mediation analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Functional connectivity between the precuneus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) within the DMN correlated with both sleep quality and circadian preference.
- The precuneus-mPFC functional connectivity fully mediated the relationship between chronotype and sleep quality.
Conclusions:
- Increased neural communication within the midline core of the DMN may underlie poor sleep quality in individuals with a late chronotype.
- These findings can inform pathophysiological models and therapeutic strategies for mental disorders associated with late chronotype.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Understanding Sleep
1.3K
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
1.3K
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
782
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
782
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
316
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
316
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
4.5K
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent...
4.5K
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
343
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
343
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
2.6K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
2.6K