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The document discusses a study on the effects of sleep deprivation on brain excitability and memory function, highlighting that a single night without sleep can lead to increased brain excitability and impaired memory performance. Conducted by researchers at the University Medical Center Freiburg, the study involved 20 participants and utilized memory tests and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The findings emphasize the importance of sleep for cognitive function and suggest the need for public health awareness and workplace policies to promote adequate sleep.

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Abdul Hameed
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8 views3 pages

Assignment Unit2

The document discusses a study on the effects of sleep deprivation on brain excitability and memory function, highlighting that a single night without sleep can lead to increased brain excitability and impaired memory performance. Conducted by researchers at the University Medical Center Freiburg, the study involved 20 participants and utilized memory tests and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The findings emphasize the importance of sleep for cognitive function and suggest the need for public health awareness and workplace policies to promote adequate sleep.

Uploaded by

Abdul Hameed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Written Assignment unit2

Sleep is necessary to sustain the best possible physical and mental health. Chronic sleep deprivation has
been related to several adverse impacts, including poor memory, lower attention, and higher physical
health risks. The influence of a single night of sleep deprivation on brain excitability and memory
function was examined in a study by researchers at the University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany.

Study Overview

Title: "Why do we sleep? Scientists uncover how late nights can physically change the brain"

Authors: Christoph Nissen et al.

Published by: Wired UK

Date: August 23, 2016

Study Design: Experimental, within-subject crossover design

Participants: 20 healthy adults (age and gender details not specified)

The study used a word-pair memory test to gauge memory performance and transcranial magnetic
stimulation (TMS) to gauge brain excitability. Two sessions were attended by the participants:

Following a Full Night's Sleep: The participants' sleep cycles were typical.

Following a 24-hour sleep deprivation period, participants were kept up all night.

In both sessions, TMS was applied to the motor cortex to measure the strength of muscle responses.
Additionally, participants conducted a word-pair memory test, where they learned and recalled 46 pairs
of words.

Increased Brain Excitability: Participants' need for a stronger magnetic pulse to elicit a muscular response
decreased after a 24-hour sleep deprivation, suggesting increased brain excitability. This implies that lack
of sleep causes the brain's synapses to become stronger, which may interfere with regular brain activity.

Impaired Memory Performance: After sleep deprivation, participants' performance on the word-pair
memory task was lower; they were able to recall fewer word pairs than they did after getting a full
night's sleep. This demonstrates how important sleep is for preserving cognitive function and forming
memories.
Restrictions:
Sample Size: The study only included 20 people, which would have limited how far the results can be
applied.

Short-Term Assessment: The study only looked at one night of sleep loss and did not look at the
consequences of chronic sleep deprivation.

Absence of Long-Term Follow-Up: No long-term follow-up was carried out to evaluate the long-term
effects of sleep deprivation on memory and brain function.

Upcoming Uses:
Strategies to lessen these effects can be informed by knowledge of how sleep loss affects memory and
brain excitability:

Raising awareness of the value of getting enough sleep for cognitive function is one of the public health
recommendations.

Workplace Policies: Putting in place rules that permit enough sleep, particularly for occupations that
need a high level of cognitive function.

Programs for Education: Teaching teachers and students about the dangers of sleep deprivation and the
advantages of sleep for cognition.

Introspection
I have personally witnessed the detrimental impacts of sleep deprivation during times of heavy study as
a student. Several times, staying up late to do assignments resulted in poor memory recall and trouble
focusing during tests. Once, I was working continuously without sleeping for 48 hours. My face shrank
and I felt very weak, and my eyes became red, it was like some put dust inside my eyes. After realizing
these trends, I've made improving my sleep hygiene a top priority by creating regular sleep routines and
steering clear of late-night study sessions. My general well-being and academic achievement have
greatly improved as a result of these adjustments.

In conclusion
This study emphasizes how important sleep is for preserving memory and brain function. The results are
consistent with other studies showing that lack of sleep might negatively impact cognitive function right
away. The study's shortcomings indicate that more research is necessary, but the ramifications for both
individual and national health are evident. Sleep must be prioritized for both general health and the best
possible cognitive performance.
Reference:

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research. Sleep Disorders and Sleep
Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. Colten HR, Altevogt BM, editors. National Academies
Press (US); Washington (DC): 2006.

https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-sleephttps://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-
sleep

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/12148-sleep-basics

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