A recent study reveals that a specific chemical messenger in the brain plays a major role in the connection between lack of sleep and increased pain sensitivity.
Researchers conducted experiments on mice and discovered that chronic sleep disruption can cause heightened pain sensitivity, and this involves signaling from a part of the brain called the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN).
Let's find out more about this experiment.
A New Discovery
The study found that a neurotransmitter called N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA), which belongs to a group called endocannabinoids, decreased in the TRN due to sleep deprivation.
Additionally, the activity of the cannabinoid receptor 1, responsible for pain perception, also decreased in the TRN after chronic sleep disruption.
By administering NADA to the TRN, the researchers were able to reduce the increased pain sensitivity caused by sleep deprivation in mice.
This positive effect of NADA could be reversed by blocking the cannabinoid receptor 1, suggesting that both the receptor and NADA play a role in the connection between pain sensitivity and lack of sleep.
Why It Might Be Helpful
The findings of this study provide insights into how sleep disruption can lead to increased pain and highlight the potential of targeting the endocannabinoid system to alleviate this cycle of pain and sleep loss.
Previously, we talked about hidden benefits of caregiving.
