Sleeping off stress
Marian Joëls1,2, E Ronald de Kloet3
1Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 30, 2022
Summary
Social defeat stress activates specific midbrain cells in mice, leading to increased sleep and reduced anxiety behaviors. This research sheds light on neural mechanisms underlying stress responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Social defeat is a significant stressor in rodents.
- Stress impacts sleep and anxiety levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms by which social defeat influences sleep and anxiety.
- To identify specific brain regions involved in the response to social defeat.
Main Methods:
- Mice were subjected to social defeat paradigms.
- Neural activity in midbrain regions was monitored.
- Sleep patterns and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed.
Main Results:
- Social defeat activated specific neuronal populations in the midbrain.
- Activation of these midbrain cells correlated with increased sleep duration.
- Mice exhibited reduced anxiety-like behaviors following social defeat.
Conclusions:
- Midbrain cell activation is a key mediator of the sleep-promoting and anxiolytic effects of social defeat.
- This study identifies a novel neural circuit involved in stress adaptation.
More Related Videos
08:20Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
12.0K
10:45A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
7.7K
Related Concept Videos
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
105
Regular exercise and meditation serve as essential tools in managing stress and promoting physical and mental well-being.
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
105
01:27Insomnia
123
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...
123
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
209
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...
209
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.6K
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:
1.6K
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
156
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
Nightmares...
156
01:19Management of Insomnia
318
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...
318