Scientists are investigating the potential benefits of the wired and hyper feeling experienced after pulling an all-nighter. A recent study conducted on mice has revealed the changes that occur in the sleep-deprived brain, which may contribute to this phenomenon. While most people do not look forward to sacrificing a night of restful sleep, those who are forced to stay awake due to night shifts, long trips, or last-minute study sessions often find themselves surprisingly upbeat the following day. This feeling is often described as being "tired and wired," giddy, or even slightly delirious in a positive way.
Scientists believe that understanding how the brain changes during sleep deprivation and its impact on mood could provide insights into the rapid effects of certain antidepressants, such as ketamine. Mingzheng Wu, a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University and the first author of the study, noted that even in healthy individuals, the changes in mood after acute sleep loss feel remarkably real. However, the exact mechanisms in the brain that lead to these effects have remained poorly understood.
To gain further knowledge, Wu and the research team conducted experiments on healthy adult mice. They developed a system that kept the mice awake while minimizing stress levels. The system consisted of an enclosure with a raised platform above a slowly rotating beam. The mice had the option to relax on the platform or explore the area below, but they had to keep moving to avoid the beam. The researchers found that when the mice were housed in this system, they experienced significantly less sleep.
Following a night of sleep deprivation, the mice exhibited more aggressive and hypersexualized behavior. The culprit behind these changes was dopamine, the reward neurotransmitter. The authors observed increased dopamine signaling in the brains of the sleep-deprived mice.
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