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Have you ever wondered why depressed people often spend their nights sleepless?
While it seems hard to believe, these sleepless nights can actually improve their mental state for a while.
Here are a few reasons for that.
Researchers have made a fascinating discovery about the possible effects of acute sleep deprivation on the brain.
In an experiment using mice, the scientists induced mild sleep deprivation and found that dopamine release increased during this period, leading to enhanced synaptic plasticity, essentially rewiring the brain.
This effect maintained a positive mood for several days, akin to the "tired and wired" feeling experienced by humans after an all-nighter.
The research not only shed light on how mood states naturally transition but also have implications for understanding fast-acting antidepressants like ketamine and identifying potential targets for new medications.
The researchers observed increased dopamine activity in specific brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex, associated with the antidepressant effect.
This insight into the transient effects of acute sleep loss could contribute to better understanding mental health and developing tailored antidepressant treatments.