Research and anecdotal experience both point to the harmful effects of sleep deprivation on memory, and researchers have new insight into this association. According to animal research published in the journal eLife, sleep deprivation might change neuron connectivity, thereby interfering with memory. The study also found resting might restore losses associated with sleep deprivation.
Researchers performed their study on mice, so it is unclear whether the results would also apply to humans. Previous research suggests sleep is a time of memory consolidation.
Researchers looked at the length and number of dendrite spines in the hippocampus—a brain region associated with memory—of mice after five hours of sleep deprivation. Dendrites branch out from nerve cells and are responsible for receiving impulses from other cells. Mice deprived of sleep had shorter dendrites with less dense dendritic spines in the hippocampus, suggesting even temporary sleep loss can change the brain.
Researchers then allowed the mice to sleep for three hours, as previous research suggests this can compensate for lost sleep. They again analyzed dendrites in the hippocampus and found three hours of sleep reversed the dendrite changes, potentially improving memory.
The Surgeon General Just Sent a Worrisome Letter to Every Doctor in America
In the past few years, drug overdose deaths have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. In 2014, opioid overdoses killed more than 28,000 people—a number that has quadrupled since 1999. For the first time in history, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has sent a letter to 2.3 million doctors in America, calling on them to do their part in stemming the prescription opioid abuse and overdose epidemic. In the letter, Murthy encourages physicians to view drug addiction as a chronic illness rather than a “moral failing.”
Psychosis Associated with Low Levels of Physical Activity
According to an international study of more than 200,000 people, those who experience symptoms of psychosis are less physically active. Men with symptoms of psychosis are especially unlikely to meet recommended levels of physical activity. The study’s authors hope to use these findings to find ways to improve mental and physical health for those who experience psychosis.THC Makes Rats Lazy, Less Willing to Try Cognitively Demanding Tasks: UBC Study
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana, made rats less willing to perform a challenging task, according to a new study. The rats’ ability to do cognitively challenging work was not affected, but they were less motivated to do such work. When given the option between an easy task with a small reward and a harder task with a larger reward, rats who were given THC were more likely to choose the easy task. Without THC, they were more likely to try the harder task. Researchers say the study highlights the effects of marijuana use on willingness to exert more cognitive effort to reap a greater reward.
Digital Forms of Dating Violence Are on the Rise—What School Nurses Need to Know
Digital dating violence among teens is rising, and school nurses are often the first to recognize signs of abusive romantic relationships. Rates of physical violence in relationships are already high, but in this digital age, abusers may use digital media to control, stalk, or harass their victims. Previous surveys have found 26% of high school students said they had experienced online dating abuse, and another 12% admitted to harassing a significant other online.
Instagramming in Black and White? Could Be You’re Depressed
A small study of 166 Instagram users was able to predict depression based on Instagram posts. Previous research suggests people who have depression may gravitate toward darker or more muted colors. According to the study, users who posted more black and white photos were more likely to experience depression symptoms.
Family, Not Friends, Lowers Death Risk in Old Age
Many seniors often experience loneliness, which is linked to many negative health outcomes, including depression and premature death. A new study of seniors suggests friendships are not sufficient to ward off loneliness. Only family members offer the loneliness-reducing health benefits that can reduce the risk of death in old age.
Study Strengthens Evidence That Cognitive Activity Can Reduce Dementia Risk
A review of previous studies on the effects of cognitive activity, such as reading and brain training games, strengthens evidence that those activities during the senior years can reduce the risk of dementia. The authors caution that some other factors might be at play. For example, seniors who engage in high levels of cognitive activity might also come from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.
In the Aftermath of Disaster, Social Media Helps Build a Sense of Community
Social media postings after a disaster may do more than just offer a diversion. They can also help build a sense of community. Researchers found social media postings can provide access to new resources, while fostering community involvement in assistance efforts.
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