The Neuromission of Sleep

By Justin James Kennedy, Ph.D., DProf. and Dr. Stan Rodski

We all know that particular sleepy sensation that we feel when we are tired or after a long day. Were you aware that this is the beginning of a whole complex cycle in our brains? Once we close our eyes, there are different processes in our brain called neuromission of sleep that affect our whole being— emotions, memory, healing processes, and even the “rest” sensation. It all comes from different stages of the whole cycle.

The neuromission of sleep involves the regulation of the sleep–wake cycle, the release of various chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain, the progression through different stages of sleep, and the restoration and repair of the body and brain.

Interrupting or denying the human body from this process can negatively affect you both psychologically and physically.

Let’s jump into some of the most common parts of this cycle and what they affect.

The neurotransmitters and the dream cycles

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and histamine regulate the sleep–wake cycle. These neurotransmitters are released in specific brain areas, and their activity levels change during sleep. Their functions are more specifically as follows:

1. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in many bodily functions, including regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. In particular, serotonin promotes deep sleep (NREM sleep) and suppresses REM sleep.
2. Norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter, regulates attention, arousal, and stress responses. During wakefulness, norepinephrine levels are high, but they decrease during sleep, especially during NREM sleep.
3. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in many functions, including muscle movement, learning, memory, and attention. During REM sleep, acetylcholine levels are high, and they are low during NREM sleep.
4. Histamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in promoting wakefulness and suppressing sleep. Histamine levels increase during wakefulness and decrease during sleep, particularly during NREM sleep.

These neurotransmitters are released in specific areas of the brain, and their activity levels change during different stages of sleep. But now that we mention the stages of sleep. We classify them into REM and NREM. Let’s explore them better:

NREM sleep is further divided into three stages, with each stage characterized by progressively more profound levels of sleep:

1. Stage N1 is the lightest sleep stage and lasts only a few minutes. During this stage, the body relaxes, and brain activity slows down. People in stage N1 sleep may experience brief muscle twitches or jerks.
2. Stage N2 comprises most of a healthy adult's sleep and lasts about 50 percent of total sleep time. During stage N2 sleep, brain activity slows down, and the body temperature drops. Eye movements stop, and heart rate and breathing become more regular.
3. Stage N3 is the deepest NREM sleep stage and lasts about 20 to 25 percent of total sleep time. During stage-N3 sleep, brain activity slows down even further, making waking up difficult. This is the most vital stage of sleep, during which the body repairs and regenerates tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system.

After NREM sleep, the sleep cycle enters the REM stage, which makes up about 20 to 25 percent of total sleep time in adults. Rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams characterize REM sleep. During REM sleep, the body becomes more relaxed, and heart rate and breathing become irregular.

The sleep cycle typically goes through several cycles of NREM and REM sleep throughout the night, each lasting about 90 minutes. The exact proportion of each type of sleep can vary depending on age, health, and other factors. For the neuromission of sleep, these are essential stages that will help you regulate other subprocesses that are happening at the same time.

The neuromission of sleep and the healing cycles that occur

One of the vital functions of sleep is to aid in restoring and repairing the body and brain. One of these processes is the production of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that are critical to the body's immune response. They regulate inflammation and fight off infection. During sleep, the body produces a higher concentration of cytokines, which helps to boost the immune system and promote healing.

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Sleep also plays a crucial role in the brain's ability to consolidate memories and process information. During sleep, the brain can integrate new information and consolidate memories, strengthening neural connections and promoting learning and problem-solving abilities.

Sleep is also associated with a variety of other therapeutic processes. It is essential for promoting muscle repair and growth and regulating the release of hormones that control appetite and metabolism.

Wake up refreshed!

Source: Motortion/ Getty Images, Andrey Popov/Getty Images, AlinaMD/Getty Images

These are all essential functions that the body engages in during our sleeping cycles. You will notice that not all the repairs or changes occur in our brain, but our body also benefits from having a whole neuromission of sleep.

Adverse effects

Sleep deprivation negatively impacts physical and mental health. Regardless of the cause (e.g., routine changes), its consequences range from mood alterations to chronic diseases.

Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes; raise blood pressure; and cause inflammation.

Conclusions

The neuromission of sleep refers to the complex network of neurotransmitters, hormones, and brain regions that regulate the sleep–wake cycle. It is essential for optimal health and well-being, as it plays a crucial role in cognitive function, immune system function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.

Understanding the neuromission of sleep can help us to identify potential targets for therapies that could improve sleep quality and treat sleep disorders. It may help us better understand the mechanisms underlying sleep-related health outcomes, such as the increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes associated with chronic sleep deprivation.

Investigating the neuromission of sleep is a complex and ongoing process, requiring collaboration across various disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, and medicine. Continued research in this area is necessary to fully understand the complex mechanisms underlying the sleep–wake cycle and develop more effective treatments for sleep-related disorders.