Scientists discover hidden brain changes linked to common sleep disorders
Scientists have discovered that sleep disorders are associated with structural changes in brain regions that control attention, decision-making, and emotions, potentially explaining why disrupted sleep can affect everyday thinking and behavior. The findings, drawn from 57 brain imaging studies, reveal both shared and disorder-specific patterns that could lead to more targeted treatments.
Key points
- FIU researchers analyzed 57 brain imaging studies to compare brain structure across several sleep disorders.
- Both dyssomnias and parasomnias were linked to reductions in the thalamus, including the pulvinar region.
- Parasomnias were also associated with changes in the posterior cingulate cortex, but the study did not establish cause.
New research from Florida International University has found that several types of sleep disorders are associated with physical changes in brain regions involved in attention, motivation and decision-making. The study, published in Scientific Reports, combined findings from 57 brain imaging studies of adults, according to ScienceDaily.
The researchers compared two broad groups of sleep disorders rather than a single condition. Dyssomnias include insomnia and sleep apnea, while parasomnias include sleepwalking, nightmare disorder and sleep terrors. An estimated 50 million to 70 million Americans experience sleep disorders.
Shared changes in the thalamus
Both groups were associated with reductions in the thalamus, a structure deep in the brain that supports information processing, attention and complex thinking. The researchers identified changes in a specific part of it called the pulvinar, which helps direct attention and manage cognitive control.
The affected areas connect to larger brain networks involved in concentration and decision-making. Differences in these systems may help explain why people with sleep disorders often have slower reaction times, more difficulty making decisions and a greater likelihood of errors or accidents.
By looking across many studies, we found shared patterns in the brain that help explain why sleep problems can impact focus, decision-making and everyday functioning.
— Katharine Crooks
Differences in parasomnias
People with parasomnias showed changes in the posterior cingulate cortex, a region involved in motivation, decision-making and emotion regulation. This may help explain why conditions such as sleepwalking and recurring nightmares can sometimes come with difficulties in mood, behavior or emotional control.
The analysis did not find a consistent pattern of structural changes exclusive to dyssomnias. The study identified associations but did not establish whether disrupted sleep causes the brain differences, whether existing differences contribute to sleep disorders, or whether both occur. The FIU team plans to examine individual parasomnias in more detail.
