Different Brain Changes Identified in Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation, Study Finds

Recent research conducted by scientists at Forschungszentrum Jülich has revealed that sleep disorders and sleep deprivation impact the brain differently, with distinct alterations in neural regions associated with each condition. Approximately 20% to 35% of the population suffer from chronic sleep problems, and nearly half of older adults experience sleep issues. Additionally, many teenagers and adults face occasional sleep deprivation due to various activities like partying, demanding work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or excessive smartphone use.

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 231 brain studies has demonstrated that the affected brain regions vary significantly between short-term sleep deprivation and long-term sleep disorders. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights that chronic sleep conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy predominantly involve alterations in the anterior cingulate cortex, right amygdala, and hippocampus—areas critical for emotion regulation, memory, and decision-making. These changes often correlate with symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, memory issues, and depression.

Conversely, short-term sleep deprivation mainly affects the right thalamus, which is integral to temperature regulation, movement, and pain perception. This neuroanatomical shift may explain why individuals experience increased cold sensitivity, decreased attention, and slower reactions when sleep-deprived.

The findings emphasize that these brain modifications are separate, indicating no overlapping regions for the two conditions. This insight opens pathways for targeted treatments tailored to specific sleep-related brain changes and encourages examining multiple sleep disorders concurrently in future research.

The study results underscore the critical importance of good sleep hygiene, as inadequate sleep is a modifiable risk factor for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Understanding the distinct neural pathways involved in various sleep problems can improve therapeutic strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), potentially reducing the risk of associated mental illnesses.

By identifying the precise brain regions involved in different sleep disturbances, researchers hope to develop more effective, personalized interventions, ultimately promoting better mental and neurological health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-disorders-deprivation-brain.html