Sleep Deprivation And Mood Disorders Essay Example

is necessary for sustainable improvement.

Plante and Winkelman discuss the effect of sleep deprivation on mental health, citing several studies. One study showed that only a small percentage (less than 6%) of people benefited from sleep deprivation while others required psychiatric drugs and traditional treatments. However, another study found that combining sleep deprivation with neuro-biological treatments like lithium resulted in positive outcomes for bipolar patients. The researchers also observed that changing bedtime and exposure to bright morning lights to modify circadian rhythms reduced the risk of depressive relapses. Nevertheless, there are still limitations to consider for bipolar patients such as possible manic episodes.

According to Plante and Winkelman, sleep deprivation may worsen or trigger manic episodes in certain cases, making it a potentially problematic treatment for depression in individuals with bipolar disorder. The process of inducing sleep deprivation can also pose challenges, and there is a risk of relapse once normal sleep patterns are restored. Therefore, psychologists must prioritize addressing sleep disturbances in bipolar patients due to their prevalence and impact on mood. However, as causality cannot be definitively established, therapists should carefully evaluate each patient and customize treatment accordingly.

More research is needed to explore how sleep deprivation affects individuals with bipolar disorder. In today's society, medication is commonly used to treat different illnesses, but this can result in overmedication and unwanted consequences like depression or mania. We need more investigation into non-chemical-dependent treatments that enhance patient well-being, such as sleep deprivation. This study suggests that patients may be able to naturally alleviate depression by regulating their sleep patterns and being exposed to bright light, particularly in the morning, due to circadian rhythm and light exposure issues.

Further

research is necessary to explore the possibility of using chemical support, if necessary, to align patients' natural rhythms. Nevertheless, there are situations where it may also be feasible to regulate patients without chemicals. The study conducted by Meerlo, Sucheki, and Sgoifo titled "Restricted and disrupted sleep: Effects on autonomic function, neuroendocrine stress systems and stress responsivity" investigates the relationship between sleep deprivation and stress-related conditions on bodily processes. The authors analyze various studies that assess how both short-term and long-term sleep deprivation affect an individual's overall well-being.

A literature review is conducted in this study to investigate the effects of chronic sleep deprivation on stress functioning. The body becomes more vulnerable to illnesses and other issues due to subtle changes in the brain caused by elevated levels of cortisol and other stress-related hormones. Inadequate sleep may result in mood disorders and health complications, with prolonged sleep deprivation potentially leading to modifications in brain function. This research does not involve any specific procedure or participants but aims to explore potential problems for individuals arising from insufficient sleep.

The stress and arousal centers in the brain are immediately affected by sleep deprivation, as stated by the authors. Those who have disrupted sleep patterns display reduced sensitivity towards stress hormones and experience slower cognitive processing. These effects can be seen in just 3-4 days of insufficient sleep.

Animal studies provide most of the data due to ethical concerns with subjecting humans to sleep loss and difficult tasks. Although some studies examined humans’ capacity to exercise or complete similar tasks under sleep deprivation, these investigations revealed decreased activity in brain regions that react to stress hormones. Additionally, mood disorders may be induced

or worsened by insufficient sleep as changes in sleep patterns are correlated with depression. Furthermore, chronic sleep deprivation has more significant effects, particularly given the widespread prevalence of this issue in our society.

Due to ethical concerns, various studies were carried out on rats which found that chronic sleep deprivation partially suppressed their sympathetic nervous systems and affected the production and receptors of serotonin. This important neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in regulating normal sleep patterns, so when its levels are impacted by lack of sleep, it can worsen sleep disturbances and deprivation. Therefore, REM sleep becomes particularly crucial.

According to Meerlo et al., insufficient sleep over a prolonged period can cause the sympathetic nervous system to become more active, resulting in raised blood pressure and heart rate. This can lead to reduced brain plasticity and neural atrophy, accelerating aging and increasing susceptibility to mental disorders. Furthermore, prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system may change how the brain responds to stress hormones, possibly leading to an inadequate reaction when faced with future stressful situations.

Although ethical concerns hinder research, further investigation is needed to determine the impact of stress on the body. However, due to the prevalence of sleep deprivation, it should be possible to conduct such research. Participant selection for this study can rely on a survey of sleeping habits or physician referrals to assess their level of sleep deprivation. By comparing brain function and hormone response between individuals experiencing sleep deprivation and those who are not, potential differences can be identified. Understanding the long-term effects of impaired stress functioning is crucial.

Meerlo et al. propose that not only high blood pressure and mood disorders but also

various other modern issues can result from lack of sleep. To explore the full extent of the problems related to sleep deprivation, further investigation using a sleep-deprived human population is necessary. Meanwhile, Colleen McClung's article "Circadian genes, rhythms and the biology of mood disorders" examines how circadian rhythms influence the occurrence of mood disorders and other anomalies. McClung puts forth a hypothesis suggesting a strong correlation between circadian rhythms and mood disorders as well as other disorders.

McClung examines the correlation between mood disorders and the circadian clock in this article. The author reviews previous research before proposing that people with mood disorders could benefit from a shift towards earlier bedtimes and waking up earlier, facilitated by light therapy. Furthermore, "night owls" are at greater risk of developing mood disorders than "morning larks", while those with disturbed circadian rhythms face an increased susceptibility to such conditions. Adaptation to natural phenomena like circadian rhythms and light/dark cycles is therefore crucial for preventing or recovering from these ailments, according to McClung's recommendations.

In her literature review, McClung examines various effects of disrupted circadian rhythm including sleep issues and mood. The study does not involve specific participants or procedures, and covers multiple areas related to circadian rhythms. McClung stresses the importance of being able to adapt to different sleep/wake cycles and other circadian rhythms, as those who struggle to do so are more prone to mood disorders. This includes individuals who frequently travel or work night shifts. McClung notes that when individuals are out of sync with environmental rhythms such as light/dark cycles, mood disorders are more likely to occur. McClung also suggests that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be

caused by abnormal circadian rhythms.

Melatonin heavily influences Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during winter months. It is unclear whether or not melatonin should change seasonably in individuals; changes in melatonin levels have been observed in both normal individuals and those with SAD depending on their geographic location. Recent studies suggest that total sleep deprivation may be an effective treatment for depression, a conclusion which McClung supports. Other treatments such as shifting sleep schedules, taking lithium, or undergoing bright light therapy may also be beneficial in preventing relapses. Bright light therapy is a common treatment option for SAD, as noted by McClung.

It's crucial to determine whether to use therapy in the morning or evening to achieve the best outcome. By using therapy in the morning, a phase shift towards an earlier time can occur, while using it in the evening can cause a phase shift later in the day. Research by McClung has revealed that blue wavelengths of light are highly effective in suppressing melatonin and adjusting the circadian clock. McClung suggests that various drugs such as lithium, anti-depressants, and SSRIs can also be used to modify the circadian rhythms chemically. Lithium is especially beneficial for those with rapid-sleep cycle bipolar and can lead to a phase delay, but it is not particularly helpful for individuals with slow clocks. Proper treatment selection is important as SSRIs are known to have a phase advance effect.

McClung's concluding section highlights the innate tendency among humans to possess atypical circadian rhythms, implying genetic deficiencies. Such individuals with irregular reactions to specific genes are more prone to experiencing depression or bipolar disorder, primarily women. For some individuals, chemical treatments can

be quite beneficial as well. Certain variations may even aid in reducing stress reaction, enabling people to manage stress more efficiently in specific cases.

According to McClung's research, there is currently limited research on circadian rhythms in mood disorders and responses. Those who are more adaptable to changes in their circadian rhythms and are not genetically predisposed to impaired rhythms tend to have fewer mood disorders and problems compared to those who are extremely sensitive or have unusual rhythms due to genetics. Treatment using medication or therapies can help restore normal rhythms and improve functioning for those who have mood disorders or impaired rhythms. Identifying whether a person experiences phase delay or advanced phase is crucial in prescribing suitable treatment.

The specific issue a person is having with their internal clock affects the type of psychiatric medication used and/or the time at which treatment is administered. Disruptions to circadian rhythms caused by seasonal disorders can also affect mood in individuals during shorter days and longer nights in winter. Further research is needed to understand the best course of treatment for each person based on their profiles and to investigate how circadian disturbances caused by genetics may predispose individuals to mood disorders. Each study contributes relevant information about current research in sleep, mood disorders, and natural rhythms.