Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 29: Structural changes in brain regions responsible for attention, decision-making and emotional regulation may be associated with sleep disorders, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Florida International University (FIU) in the US.
The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, are based on an analysis of 57 brain imaging studies and could contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related disorders.
Lead author Katharine Crooks said the research could support the development of better diagnostic methods, targeted therapies and personalised treatment strategies for people suffering from sleep disorders.
Researchers, however, cautioned that the study does not establish whether the observed brain changes are the cause of sleep disorders or develop as a result of them.
The study found consistent structural changes in the thalamus, a brain region involved in filtering information, maintaining attention and supporting cognitive functions. Alterations were also observed in the pulvinar, a part of the thalamus associated with attention and behavioural control. These changes may explain why individuals with sleep disorders often experience poor concentration, slower reaction times, difficulty making decisions and a higher risk of accidents.
The researchers examined two broad categories of sleep disorders. Dyssomnias include conditions such as insomnia and sleep apnoea, which affect the ability to fall asleep, remain asleep or obtain restorative sleep. Parasomnias include disorders such as sleepwalking, nightmares and sleep terrors, which involve abnormal behaviours during sleep.
While changes in the thalamus were found in both categories, only parasomnias consistently showed structural changes in the posterior cingulate cortex, a brain region involved in motivation, decision-making and emotional regulation. Researchers believe these alterations may help explain the emotional and behavioural difficulties often experienced by people with parasomnias.
No consistent structural brain changes were identified in people with dyssomnias, indicating that different sleep disorders may affect the brain in distinct ways.
Senior author Matthew Sutherland said the study provides a clearer understanding of how sleep disorders influence brain structure and function by combining findings from multiple studies. He added that future research will focus on specific parasomnias, including sleepwalking and REM sleep behaviour disorder, to determine whether the observed brain changes are a cause, a consequence or a combination of both.