Psychology of Sleep and Mood Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What role does sleep deprivation play in the amygdala's response to stimuli?

It has no effect on the amygdala's response.

It decreases the amygdala's sensitivity to stimuli.

It increases the amygdala's response to upsetting stimuli. (correct)

It only affects the striatum's response.

Which statement correctly describes the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mood?

Sleep disturbances always lead to mood disturbances.

Sleep quality has no effect on mood stability.

Mood disturbances improve with better sleep.

A mood disturbance can cause sleep problems and vice versa. (correct)

What does research suggest about sleep problems and future mood disorders?

Longitudinal studies show disrupted sleep can predict later mood disorders. (correct)

Only short-term sleep deprivation predicts mood issues.

Sleep problems have no predictive value for future mood disorders.

Mood disorders can always predict future sleep problems.

What brain region is involved in processing rewarding stimuli and was studied for its response to sleep conditions?

Striatum Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral outcomes are linked to increased activity in the brain's reward system following sleep deprivation?

Increased risk-taking and poor decision making. Signup and view all the answers

What effect can one night without sleep have on depressed patients?

It leads to significant mood improvement the next day. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following studies implicated increased activity in the ventral striatum related to sleep disturbances?

Casement et al. (2016) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of continued sleep deprivation in individuals with insomnia?

Serious consequences for functioning. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is being researched to understand the relationship between sleep and mood disorders?

Functional neuroimaging. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the effects of long-term disrupted sleep in relation to mood disturbances?

It often leads to ongoing mood disturbances. Signup and view all the answers

What primary neurotransmitters are impacted by MDMA?

Serotonin and dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main sleep-related complaint observed 48 hours after ingesting MDMA?

Prolonged wakefulness when sleep is disturbed Signup and view all the answers

In cannabis users, what effect is strongly associated with REM sleep?

Complete absence of any dream activity Signup and view all the answers

What major area of research challenges exists regarding cannabis and its effects on sleep?

Availability of federal funding due to legal status Signup and view all the answers

What happens to REM sleep after cannabis withdrawal?

There is a strong REM rebound effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism through which sleep deprivation is believed to help patients with major depressive disorder?

Enhancing cortical synaptic strength Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern regarding the dosage of melatonin supplements?

Typical doses may shut down endogenous melatonin production Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical effect of sleep deprivation mentioned in the content?

Negative impact on neural plasticity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the impact of cocaine on sleep during its use?

It decreases the time spent in REM sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is NOT mentioned as having an effect on total sleep time or sleep architecture?

Heroin Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during cocaine withdrawal that affects sleep?

Heightened REM sleep and increased intense dreaming Signup and view all the answers

What is a commonly reported issue with melatonin as a sleep aid?

Concentration variability and unreliability Signup and view all the answers

What role does melatonin play in relation to the body's internal clock?

It is secreted by the pineal gland and regulates circadian rhythms Signup and view all the answers

How does the endocannabinoid system relate to sleep as per the content?

It has an unknown influence on sleep patterns Signup and view all the answers

MDMA use is associated with changes predominantly in which sleep stage?

REM sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the relationship between emotional well-being and drug-induced sleep disruption?

Drugs may disrupt sleep, which can decline emotional well-being Signup and view all the answers

What notable feature has been associated with melatonin supplements in relation to quality control?

Some brands may contain significantly less or more melatonin than advertised Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of REM sleep inhibition due to stimulant drug use?

Impaired memory integration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors complicates the use of melatonin as a supplement for sleep?

There can be significant variation in melatonin content between batches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter affected by cocaïne that plays a role in mood regulation?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sleep Deprivation & Mood

Short-term sleep deprivation increases amygdala response to upsetting stimuli.
Chronic sleep deprivation, especially in insomnia, has severe consequences for daily functioning.
Sleep disorders are often linked with mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
This relationship is bidirectional: Sleep disturbance causes mood problems, which in turn worsen sleep.
Sleep problems can predict future mood disorders.
Sleep disturbances, especially in bipolar disorder, indicate an imminent manic episode.

Sleep, Depression & Reward

Research on the connection between sleep and mood disorders focuses on identifying the mechanisms involved.
Functional neuroimaging reveals changes in brain activity after sleep deprivation.
The striatum (involved in processing rewards) shows a stronger response to reward stimuli after a night without sleep.
This increased striatal activity could explain risk-taking, reward-seeking, and poor decision-making in sleep-deprived individuals.
Sleep deprivation may offer temporary mood improvement in depressed individuals, but this effect fades quickly.

Therapeutic Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder in about 60% of patients.
However, relapse rates are high (around 80%) after sleep deprivation treatment.
Sleep deprivation has negative side effects.
Sleep deprivation may improve synaptic plasticity in the brain, which may explain its antidepressant effects.
Researchers are actively searching for alternative treatments that mimic the positive effects of sleep deprivation without its drawbacks.

Melatonin Supplementation

The pineal gland releases melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
Melatonin is available over-the-counter and is sometimes used to adjust to jetlag and manage circadian rhythm disorders.
Its effectiveness in improving sleep is not well-established for healthy individuals.
Older adults may benefit from melatonin as a sleep aid.
Melatonin supplements have wide variations in concentration, which can be problematic.
High doses of melatonin may suppress the body's natural melatonin production.
Some supplements contain serotonin, potentially dangerous in long-term use.

Cocaine, Ecstasy & Cannabis

Cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis influence mood and sleep patterns.
These drugs disrupt REM sleep, which is important for memory consolidation.
REM sleep disruption can harm emotional stability and well-being.
Sleep quality during drug abstinence predicts future relapse.

Cocaine

Cocaine inhibits dopamine reuptake and increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels, leading to feelings of euphoria, alertness, and restlessness.
Cocaine use disrupts sleep, leading to longer sleep onset, reduced REM sleep, and impaired sleep architecture.
Cocaine withdrawal causes a reversal of these effects, leading to lower serotonin and norepinephrine levels, difficulties falling asleep, and increased REM sleep.
This REM rebound can be intense and even manifest as waking dreams in severe cases.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

MDMA affects dopamine and serotonin levels.
MDMA use is linked to increased wakefulness, sleep disturbances, and a significant reduction in REM sleep.
Heavy MDMA use is associated with reduced stage 2 NREM sleep and overall deterioration of sleep architecture.

Cannabis

Cannabis affects the endocannabinoid system, influencing pain, arousal, and sleep.
The effects of cannabis on sleep are not fully understood, and research is limited due to legal constraints.
Cannabis primarily reduces REM sleep duration and intensity.
Regular cannabis users report a lack of dreams and experience REM rebound with vivid dreams after abstaining from the drug.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between sleep deprivation and mood disorders in this quiz. Discover how sleep disturbances can lead to severe consequences for mental health, including increased risk for depression and anxiety. Delve into the neuroscience behind these connections and understand the bidirectional nature of sleep and mood.