Sleep Patterns vs. Risk of Psychiatric Disorders: Depression, Schizophrenia, ADHD (2024 Study)

Insomnia and daytime napping are causally associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), while sleep duration influences the risk of schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Highlights: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Insomnia and napping during the day significantly increase the risk of MDD. Schizophrenia: Longer sleep duration is associated with a higher risk …

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Sleep Profiles of Different Psychiatric Traits (2024 Study)

Different psychiatric conditions exhibit varied sleep problems, with insomnia and fatigue being the most common issues. Highlights: Worst Sleep Profiles: Traits related to affect disorders, generalized anxiety, and ADHD show the worst sleep problems, including insomnia and fatigue. Milder Sleep Issues: Autism, eating disorders, and impulsivity traits are linked to milder sleep disturbances. Mania and …

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Ketamine Alters Sleep Architecture in Depression: Delta Waves, Alpha Waves, Beta Waves (2024 Study)

A study examined the effects of ketamine on sleep arousal metrics in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) vs. healthy volunteers, finding that ketamine increases certain sleep-related brain activities but does not significantly mediate its antidepressant effects through these sleep changes. Highlights: Individuals with TRD had lower total sleep time and shorter REM latency compared to …

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Effects of REM Sleep Deprivation on Brain Connectivity (2024 Study)

A study found that REM sleep deprivation significantly impacts brain connectivity, particularly within the default mode network (DMN) and between the DMN and other brain networks, highlighting the importance of REM sleep for maintaining optimal brain function. Highlights: Connectivity Patterns: REM sleep deprivation resulted in stronger connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and between …

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Alpha Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation Increases Alpha Brain Waves & Alters Sleep (2024 Study)

TLDR: A new method using sound to influence brain waves can help manage brain activity and affect how we fall asleep. Highlights: How It Works: This method, called Alpha Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation (αCLAS), uses sound pulses timed precisely to brain waves to change brain activity. Phase Matters: The timing of the sound pulses is crucial; …

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Antidepressants for Insomnia Treatment in Adults: Are They Effective? (Cochrane Review Findings)

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder affecting up to 15% of adults. While sedative medications are often prescribed, their long-term use can lead to dependence. As an alternative, antidepressants are widely used in clinical practice despite limited evidence supporting their efficacy and safety for insomnia. Key Facts: Insomnia affects up to 15% of adults, causing …

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Sleep Disturbances in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: What You Should Know

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a genetic condition caused by a missing chunk of chromosome 22. It comes with high rates of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric problems. Sleep issues are very common in 22q11.2DS across the lifespan. Key Facts: Sleep problems occur in up to 91% of those with 22q11.2DS and involve difficulties falling asleep, staying …

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Complex Effects of Antidepressants on Sleep & Depression: What You Should Know

Depression often comes with significant sleep disturbances that can persist even after other symptoms improve. Choosing an antidepressant that alleviates sleep problems may improve outcomes. Key Facts: Sleep complaints like insomnia occur in 60-90% of depression patients. Poor sleep is associated with higher suicide risk. Sedative antidepressants like mirtazapine quickly improve sleep, while SSRIs/SNRIs may …

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Kava & Valerian Combo for Stress-Related Insomnia

A new pilot study investigates using kava and valerian, two herbal remedies, to treat stress-induced insomnia. Key Facts: 24 patients with stress-induced insomnia took part in the 6-month crossover study. All patients took kava for 6 weeks, then valerian for 6 weeks, then a combination of both for 6 weeks. Both kava and valerian significantly …

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Modafinil & Sleep Homeostasis: Effects Determined By COMT Gene Variants

New research reveals that the wake-promoting drug modafinil affects markers of sleep homeostasis differently depending on a person’s genetics. Key facts: Modafinil improved sustained attention in people with a certain gene variant but not others after sleep deprivation. Modafinil reduced sleepiness and theta brain waves during wakefulness regardless of genetics. Modafinil did not reduce slow …

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