The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on the Brain

Abstract

SUMMARY -Each sleep phase is characterized by specifi c chemical, cellular and anatomic events of vital importance for normal neural functioning. Diff erent forms of sleep deprivation may lead to a decline of cognitive functions in individuals. Studies in this fi eld make a distinction between total sleep deprivation, chronic sleep restriction, and the situation of sleep disruption. Investigations covering the acute eff ects of sleep deprivation on the brain show that the discovered behavioral defi cits in most cases regenerate after two nights of complete sleep. However, some studies done on mice emphasize the possible chronic eff ects of long-term sleep deprivation or chronic restriction on the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In order to better understand the acute and chronic eff ects of sleep loss, the mechanisms of neural adaptation in the situations of insuffi cient sleep need to be further investigated. Future integrative research on the impact of sleep deprivation on neural functioning measured through the macro level of cognitive functions and the micro molecular and cell level could contribute to more accurate conclusions about the basic cellular mechanisms responsible for the detected behavioral defi cits occurring due to sleep deprivation.

Sleep Disturbance and Occupational Fatigue in Emergency Nurses of Public Hospitals in Greece

“…The high prevalence of SD among nurses is due to work shifts and it seems that globally there is a lack of a system of proper shift distribution to ensure nurses a smooth circadian rhythm and avoid additional mental and physical strain resulting from poor sleep quality (Slavish et al, 2020). SD has been associated with more medication errors, lower work performance, physical and emotional strain, and increased family problems (Trošt Bobić et al, 2016; Zeng et al, 2022). Nurses who work in shifts tend to have more need for sleep (Korompeli et al, 2014).…”

“…Numerous studies have shown that shift work is associated with a greater risk for disorders affecting physical, mental, and emotional health of individuals (Park, Park, Bae, & Kang, 2023; Torquati, Mielke, Brown, Burton, & Kolbe-Alexander, 2019). Shift work can have significant negative impact in circadian rhythm (Booker, Magee, Rajaratnam, Sletten, & Howard, 2018; Touitou, Reinberg, & Touitou, 2017) and metabolism (Ljevak et al, 2022), although it has been associated with hypertension, breast cancer, and impaired social and family life (Trošt Bobić et al, 2016; Zeng et al, 2022). Studies have shown a decline in social parameters for nurses, as SD causes reduced endurance to maintain usual daily activities, although prolonged exposure to shift work may affect cognitive dysfunction and increase the risk of errors, or even injury, especially during night shift (Sarafis et al, 2016).…”

Effect of glucocorticoid blockade on inflammatory responses to acute sleep fragmentation in male mice

“…, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and neurodegenerative disorders) can disrupt sleep ( Ogilvie & Patel, 2017 ). Lack of sleep can influence glucose tolerance ( Chaput et al, 2007 ), insulin sensitivity ( Nedeltcheva, Imperial & Penev, 2012 ), formation of atherosclerotic plaques ( Cherubini et al, 2021 ), oxidative stress ( Xue et al, 2019 ), and the autonomic regulation of the brain ( Bobić et al, 2016 ). These factors can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders such as coronary artery disease ( Aggarwal et al, 2013 ), obesity ( Liu et al, 2013 ), arrhythmias, diabetes mellitus ( Spiegel, Leproult & Van Cauter, 1999 ), and hypertension ( Fang et al, 2012 ; Gottlieb et al, 2006 ).…”