American scientists exposed a group of participants to pain before and after a night of sleep deprivation and found changes in parts of the brain associated with pain sensitivity. It is known that sleep deprivation can be harmful to the body, with memory impairment and increased risk of diabetes being some of the well-known consequences of chronic sleep loss. However, the new study suggests another serious outcome: the worsening of the "pain experience."
In a study published in the journal Neuroscience, scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, found that a brain region linked to the sensation of pain was highly active, while areas connected to pain relief were dulled during the experiments. Professor Matthew Walker, author of the popular book "Why We Sleep," and his colleague Adam Krauss, looked at how 24 young students reacted to pain when getting healthy sleep versus unhealthy sleep.
At the beginning of the experiment, they applied heat to the participants' legs after a good night's sleep while scanning their brains using an MRI machine. The scientists then tested their pain reactions after a sleepless night, which made them significantly more sensitive. Krauss noted in a press release that the experiments showed evidence that the participants' pain sensitivity increased after insufficient sleep, stating: "Injury is the same, but the difference is how the brain assesses pain without enough sleep."
The scientists observed intense activity in the brain’s pain-sensing area, the somatosensory cortex, and reduced activity in the nucleus accumbens, a region known for releasing dopamine, often referred to as the "happiness hormone." They also discovered that the area evaluating pain and priming the body to react was less active. Krauss added: "This is a crucial nervous system that assesses and classifies pain signals and allows the body's natural painkillers to step in."
According to Professor Walker, the study suggests that hospitals should prioritize helping patients sleep as part of their care.
### How Can Sleep Be Improved?
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to enhance the amount and quality of sleep you get. The National Health Service (NHS) recommends the following: "If you can wake up, relax, and go to bed at roughly the same time every day, that will be very beneficial. Also, avoid napping if possible."
The agency pointed out that practices like reading or meditating are good ways to relax. Managing stress levels is also vital for a good night's sleep. Other tips include creating a comfortable environment—keeping the room cool, dark, and quiet. The agency explains that using earplugs, setting your phone to silent and face down (or out of the room entirely), and ensuring the room is well-ventilated can help.
