Sleep Deprivation & Mental Health | Natural Health Podcast

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Is Your Brain Asleep?

Health Trends

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22:12

A recent study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that groups of neurons in the brain may actually go to sleep while the rest of the body is wide awake. It calls into question our whole concept of falling asleep, which is based on the idea that one minute you're awake, and the next you're sound asleep totally and completely.  This finding instead suggests that sleep comes when groupings of neurons in the brain synchronize and turn off at the same time.  But if that doesn't take place because you are not sleeping well or long enough, the neurons will turn off a few at a time -- leaving you awake but not fully functional.  Listen to Jon's health podcast where he reviews a new sleep study that gives us an intriguing look at how detrimental lack of sleep and exhaustion can be to your mental health!

Related Articles: Mental Health

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Comments

Submitted by Ralph (not verified) on January 10, 2012 - 7:26am.

Hi Jon
I can confirm this.
What if, due to a lengthy period of too little sleep, the brain compensates after a time by switching off/resting different areas? This could then be related to absentmindedness and forgetfulness etc.
Maybe there are different levels of consciousness too, some that have never been activated...

Submitted by Louise (not verified) on January 10, 2012 - 4:16pm.

I have always needed a dark room to sleep in. In my new home I face the street light and it has been impossible to sleep properly. About 4 weeks ago suddenly my room was dark and for the first time in over 2 years I was able to sleep through the night, except for my visits to the bathroom but immediately went back to sleep. I felt so alive. Then last week I heard about the melatonin replacement at night in a dark room and the light went on and so now I know why I feel so refreshed each morning. I now also know why I always needed a dark room to sleep in...
We have an amazing body!

BHCea

Submitted by bottom line (not verified) on April 10, 2012 - 5:29pm.

I haven't slept in a dark room in my whole life. Does that mean I have no melatonin?

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**Jon Barron is the resident health expert for the "Healthy Trends" radio show in LA, 1680 AM, where this show was aired live. To get the latest health news delivered to your MP3 player or iPod, subscribe to our free health podcast here.

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