Study shows how Insomniacs’ Brains Work

Brain areas that control movements are highly active in insomniacs, according to a study.

The researchers from John Hopkins University of Medicine found the motor cortex or the areas concerned with voluntary activities like planning, control and movements in those suffering from chronic insomnia have more plasticity or flexibility to adapt, compared to good sleepers. The neurons in the same regions show high activity denoting increased information processing that affects sleeping abilities in insomniacs.  

Rachel E. Salas, the study author and professor of neurology from John Hopkins University School of Medicine said in a press release, "Insomnia is not a nighttime disorder. It's a 24-hour brain condition, like a light switch that is always on. Our research adds information about differences in the brain associated with it."

 The experts used transcranial magnetic stimulations (TSM) using electrodes fitted on the thumbs of subjects to give painless and noninvasive electromagnetic currents. The TSM are approved the Food and Drug Administration to treat depression. Nearly 28 participants were involved in the research, of whom 18 suffered from insomnia for a year or more and 10 were good sleepers without sleeping difficulties.

Each participant received 65 electrical pulses that stimulated motor cortex by the involuntary thumb movement. Results found that the more the thumb movement in a new direction, the more plasticity in motor cortex.

"The more plastic your brain, the better it's able to adapt to new memories and new learning or an event like a stroke. It's usually a good thing. You want your brain to be able to adapt and change to keep up with what you need it to do," Salas told HealthDay.

The authors noted that constant worrying induced by higher cortisol or stress hormone levels and increased metabolism can cause increased plasticity in their brains. However, there is no objective test or treatment for insomnia.  "Treatment can be a hit or miss in many patients," adds Prof Salas.

Insomnia affects nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population according to the data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). The lack of sufficient sleep caused by insomnia is linked to a number of health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, obesity and depression. It is also responsible for increased number of deaths and accidents by motor vehicles and machinery related crashes.

The study is published in the Journal SLEEP.