Posted on 04/05/2025 9:20:22 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Scientists have long recognized the brain's need for energy, but new research has now illuminated how the brain's energy utilization significantly influences our sleep patterns.
The team discovered certain channels in the brain, called ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, act as energy sensors and play a pivotal role in maintaining stable sleep-wake cycles and facilitating smooth transitions between cycles.
"Our study shows that even small changes in energy usage can profoundly impact behavior," said Macauley.
These changes impact when we sleep, how we sleep and the overall quality of our sleep. The study identified a previously unknown function of KATP channels in sleep regulation.
"We discovered that KATP channels—key regulators linking metabolism and excitability—play a previously unrecognized role in sleep regulation," said Macauley.
The researchers also discovered that KATP channels on neurons have a daily rhythm.
"We did not know that KATP channels on neurons display a circadian rhythm of expression that suggests a role in regulating sleep," Macauley said. "Additionally, we discovered that KATP channels regulate lactate levels, a key metabolite for transitioning between sleep and wakefulness."
When these channels don't function properly, brain cells can't tell how much energy they need.
"When cells lack the ability to assess their own metabolic needs, essential processes like neurotransmitter synthesis become compromised, which in our study was linked to impaired cognition and increased anxiety," said Macauley.
"Most importantly, we found that KATP channels have a profound impact on sleep, particularly in enabling smooth transitions between wakefulness, restorative slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. This is particularly relevant for diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes and epilepsy, which are associated with both altered KATP-channel activity and sleep disturbances."
FDA-approved drugs targeting KATP channels already exist, so this research suggests a promising new therapeutic approach for restoring sleep.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
i think though that if i learned to fall asleep listening to audio books that when it came to driving and listening to audio books- it might make me drift off to sleep while driving lol-
The WEIRD thing is that last night was the first night that I couldn't get to sleep in years. The reason is that I ate something (probably bad yogurt) yesterday that caused me to throw up shortly before I planned to go to sleep. Then all night my digestive system went berserk causing me to have diarrhea attacks all night. Yes, I tried listening to my audio book to get me to sleep but having to hit the toilet at least every hour throughout the night kept me up until about 5 A.M..
The upside is that I finished most of my audio book due to listening to it through much of the night plus when I checked my weight today, I lost over 3 lbs.
Lol zlways a silver lining in every cloud 😆
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