What do sleep disorders do to the brain?.. A study answers

A recent study has revealed additional effects of sleep disorders, beyond fatigue and exhaustion, showing that they can lead to structural changes in brain regions that govern thinking, attention, and emotions.

According to the study, published in Science Daily, researchers from Florida International University analyzed the results of 57 brain imaging studies to understand the impact of various sleep disorders on brain structure and to identify the regions most affected by these problems. The findings showed common changes across different types of sleep disorders, as well as some changes specific to certain conditions, opening the door to the development of more precise treatments. Researchers estimate that between 50 and 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, sleepwalking, and recurrent nightmares.

The researchers divided sleep disorders into two main groups. The first group includes insomnia and sleep apnea, both of which hinder the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep and to obtain adequate rest. The second group comprises sleep-related behavioral disorders, such as sleepwalking, nightmares, and night terrors, which lead to unusual events and behaviors that disrupt normal sleep cycles.

Regarding brain changes, the surprising finding was the association of both groups with reduced thalamus volume. The thalamus is a deep brain region that plays a fundamental role in processing information and maintaining attention and complex thinking. Researchers also observed changes in the thalamic pulvinar, an area responsible for directing attention toward important information and regulating cognitive functions that help individuals control their thoughts and behaviors. The thalamic pulvinar is linked to brain networks that aid in concentration, decision-making, and responding to the environment; changes in this region may explain the slow reaction times and difficulty in decision-making experienced by those with sleep disorders. Furthermore, these differences may be linked to an increased likelihood of making errors and being involved in accidents, due to the impact on brain systems responsible for processing information and responding to various situations in daily life.

The study results showed additional changes in individuals with sleep-related behavioral disorders, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex, which is responsible for important brain functions. The posterior cingulate cortex is known to be involved in regulating arousal, decision-making, and emotional control; its changes may explain the link between sleepwalking, nightmares, and mood and emotional fluctuations. In contrast, researchers did not identify a consistent pattern of structural changes specific to primary sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, reflecting differing brain impacts. Scientists believe that identifying the brain regions associated with each disorder may help improve diagnostic methods in the future and develop treatments that enhance sleep and protect cognitive and emotional functions.

The research team plans to study sleep-related behavioral disorders in greater detail, including sleepwalking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, to provide a clearer picture.