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Sleep and manipulations of the sleep–wake rhythm in depression
Author(s) -
Berger M.,
Van Calker D.,
Riemann D.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0447.108.s418.17.x
Subject(s) - disinhibition , sleep (system call) , non rapid eye movement sleep , psychology , slow wave sleep , k complex , sleep debt , sleep onset , sleep inertia , sleep onset latency , depression (economics) , sleep deprivation , rapid eye movement sleep , polysomnography , eye movement , insomnia , circadian rhythm , psychiatry , electroencephalography , neuroscience , computer science , economics , macroeconomics , operating system
Objective: Disturbed sleep is typical for most depressed patients and complaints about disordered sleep are the hallmarks of the disorder. Polysomnographic sleep research has demonstrated that besides impaired sleep continuity, sleep in depression is characterized by a reduction of slow wave sleep and a disinhibition of random eye movement (REM) sleep, with a shortening of REM latency, a prolongation of the first REM period and increased REM density. Method: Our own experimental work has focused on the reciprocal interaction hypothesis of non‐REM and REM sleep regulation as a model to explain the characteristic features of depressed sleep. Results: In agreement with the major tenet of this model, administration of cholinomimetics provoked shortened REM latency in healthy subjects and led to an even stronger REM sleep disinhibition in depressed patients. Manipulations of the sleep–wake cycle, such as sleep deprivation or a phase advance of the sleep period, alleviate depressive symptoms. Conclusion: These data indicate a strong bidirectional relationship between sleep, sleep alterations and depression.