Abnormal functional connectivity of the salience network in insomnia
Yongxin Cheng1, Ting Xue2,3, Fang Dong1
1Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Image Processing, School of Information Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, 014010, Inner Mongolia, China.
Brain Imaging and Behavior
|October 23, 2021
Summary
Insomnia patients exhibit altered salience network connectivity, particularly increased functional connectivity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. This hyperconnectivity may reflect hyperarousal and could serve as a neuroimaging biomarker for sleep quality.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The salience network is crucial for detecting behaviorally relevant stimuli and integrating neural processes.
- Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation, duration, or quality.
- Understanding the neural underpinnings of insomnia is essential for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in the functional connectivity of the salience network in individuals with insomnia.
- To explore the relationship between these connectivity changes and clinical characteristics of insomnia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized independent component analysis (ICA) and dual regression to analyze resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.
- Compared functional connectivity patterns of the salience network between insomnia patients (n=33) and healthy controls (n=33).
- Employed Pearson correlation analysis to assess the relationship between functional connectivity and insomnia severity (e.g., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index).
Main Results:
- Insomnia patients demonstrated significantly increased functional connectivity within the salience network, specifically in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex.
- Elevated connectivity was observed between the salience network and other brain regions, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, superior frontal gyrus, sensorimotor area, and brainstem.
- Increased salience network connectivity with the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showed a positive correlation with higher Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores.
Conclusions:
- Altered functional connectivity within and beyond the salience network in insomnia may be associated with underlying hyperarousal mechanisms.
- The salience network's connectivity, particularly with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, presents a potential neuroimaging biomarker for assessing sleep quality in insomnia.
Keywords:
Dual regressionIndependent component analysisInsomniaResting-state functional connectivitySalience networkMore Related Videos
09:14Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: March 14, 2025
439
09:26Disruption of Frontal Lobe Neural Synchrony During Cognitive Control by Alcohol Intoxication
Published on: February 6, 2019
19.0K
Related Concept Videos
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.9K
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:
1.9K
01:27Insomnia
184
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
184
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
239
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,...
239
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
495
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
495
01:19Management of Insomnia
341
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
341
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
295
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...
295