Chem 1 Sleep

CHEMISTRY OF SLEEP

DO YOU EVER FEEL SLEEPY OR ZONE OUT DURING THE DAY?

DO YOU FIND IT HARD TO WAKE UP ON TUESDAY MORNINGS?

THEN.... you must be familiar with the powerful need for

SLEEP

Epworth Sleepiness ScaleIn the following situations, how likely are you to doze off or fall asleep?0 - would never doze or sleep 1 - slight chance of dozing or sleeping 2 - moderate chance of dozing or sleeping 3 - high chance of dozing or sleeping

Sitting and reading Watching TV Sitting inactive in a public place Being a passenger in a car for an hour Lying down in the afternoon Sitting and talking to someone Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol) Stopping for a few minutes in traffic while driving

Understanding your score010 Normal range in healthy adults 1114 Mild sleepiness 1517 Moderate sleepiness 18 or higher Severe sleepiness

BASICS OF SLEEPSLEEP is universal and essential for survival.Three characteristics of sleep:Sleep is a brain processIt is an active processIt is not a single process

Chemistry in studying sleepThere are neuronal mechanisms that actively induce sleepAlternating between sleep and being awake is the result of the combined action of various chemicals in our brainThere are specific chemicals in our bodies that contribute to our sleep patternsSleep is regulated by the brain, its neurochemical transmitters, hormones, and mediators..Sleep is determined by genetic factors and developmental experience.

gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain provides this inhibition, acting like a brake during times of runaway stress. This is used by the human nervous system to send messages and modulate its own function. GABA acts in an inhibitory manner, tending to cause nerves to calm down.This in turn leads to relaxation, relief from anxiety, induction of sleep, and suppression of seizure-activity.

What are neurotransmitters?brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body they relay signals between nerve cells, called neurons. There are two kinds INHIBITORY and EXCITATORY. Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate the brain, while inhibitory neurotransmitterscalm it and create balance

We should be sleeping right now but our bodies will not allow us to do so because our bodies secrete ACETYLCHOLINE and other chemicals that induce wakefulness.These chemicals reduce throughout the day making us tired at the end of the day.

BRAIN and SLEEPTransitions between wakefulness and sleep are controlled and regulated by the brain, which also plays a key role in directing quantity and depth of sleep. However, sleep is also strongly influenced by external factors.

THE CHEMICALS

SEROTONINKeeps parts of the brain active while we are awake.One of the most important chemicals in our bodies that help regulating the sleep/wake cycle.Synthesized by the pineal gland to make melatoninPlays a role in sleepiness

SEROTONIN5-hydroxytryptaminAn organic compoundChemical formula: C10H12N2OChemical structure

MELATONINThe hormone that is directly related to healthy sleepInduces drowsiness in some peopleCan actually be taken as a dietary supplementHelps people with sleep disorders get to sleep more quicklyExcess melatonin levels can also lead to trouble sleeping and other health issues

MELATONINOur melatonin levels rise several hours before we sleep, overtaking the other chemicals that were previously released to keep us awake.Also known as sleep hormone

MELATONINN-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamineOrganic compoundChemical formula: C13H16N2O2Chemical structure

OXYTOCINNeurohormoneOnce released in the body, affects sleep processesCorrelated with stages of light sleep (stage 2 of sleeping)Peptide hormone Affects our social emotions in real lifeno study has directly examined effects of oxytocin administration on sleep and dreams

OXYTOCINAn organic compundChemical formula: C43H66N12O12S2Chemical structure

ADENOSINEAccumulates in our systems throughout the dayAlso contributing to sleepinessDissipates while we sleep so we can wake up refreshed in the morning

ADENOSINEChemical formula: C10H13N5O4

ADENOSINE AND MELATONIN are two substances with a very active role in sleep regulationAdenosine is a byproduct of energy consumption by the body. Scientists think that it accumulates in the body throughout the day, generating a feeling of tiredness and sleepiness which marks the beginning of the sleep process and is then removed while we sleep, to wake up fresh as a daisy! Thats why we fall asleep easily after a tiring day and feel tired when we dont get enough sleep!The production of melatonin is extremely sensitive to light: it is stimulated by the approach of night, but its inhibited as soon as the retina detects light. The smallest amount of light reduces the production of melatonin, which is why we begin to wake up when the sun rises, or because there are people who can only sleep in complete darkness.

IMPORTANCE OF SLEEPRecharges brain energyHelps the body repair muscles and tissuesLowers energy consumption

CHEMISTRY CONCEPTS

NEUROHORMONEa hormone produced in neurosecretory cells such as those of the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream, the cerebrospinal fluid, or intercellular spaces of the nervous system.stimulates neural mechanisms or is released when activated by neural stimuli.

ORGANIC COMPOUNDAny compound containing a carbon atom.Organic compounds include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

PEPTIDE HORMONEPeptide hormones are typically generated as pro-hormones that are secreted into the circulatory system following specific stimuli, and exert their effects in an endocrine manner. These hormones generally act through receptors on the plasma membrane which activate second messenger protein cascades and impact a myriad of biological processes.

TOXINSBacteria contain or liberate Brain may flush out toxins during sleepNIH-funded study suggests sleep clears brain of damaging molecules associated with neurodegeneration

NEUROCHEMISTRYNeurochemistryis the specific study of neurochemicals including neurotransmitters and other molecules (such as psychopharmaceuticals) that influence the function ofneuronsPsychopharmaceuticals- drugs having an effect on the mental state of the user

FUN FACTS

Half of all teenagers may be sleep deprived.Small children are early birds, butduring adolescence people tend to become later risers. Half of all teenagersmay be sleep deprived, thanks in part to early school start times.

Sleep-deprived people make risky decisions because theyre just too optimistic.Sleep deprivation makes you more sensitive to positive rewards, but less to negative consequences.

lack of sleep is like being drunkA study showed that after 1719 hours without sleep, peopledo similarly on performance teststo those close to the safe limit for drink driving. After being awake longer, they do even worse.

Sleep makes you more attractiveSleep debt causes your cortisol levels to rise. Cortisol levels are a primary determinant in male facial symmetry and oxidative stress, both of which are profoundly correlated with perceived attractiveness.

HYPNIC JERKSSomething strange sometimes occurs between sleep stages 1 and 2; perhaps you have experienced this phenomenon. Just as you begin to drift off, your body jerks involuntarily, often in response to an abrupt sensation of falling. These jolts are known as a hypnic jerks, or sleep starts. Experts insist they are completely normal, but the reason for them is unclear. Some theorize that as ones muscles relax, the brain mistakenly registers that the body is falling, and jolts to catch itself.

SOURCEShttp://klab.tch.harvard.edu/academia/classes/sleep2000/Lectures/l02222000.htmlhttp://prezi.com/luqbivxn00n9/chemistry-dreamsnightmaresnightterrorssleepingmainly-about-sleeping/http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brain_basics/understanding_sleep.htmhttps://www.neurogistics.com/TheScience/WhatareNeurotransmi09CE.asphttp://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dream-catcher/201108/oxytocin-sleep-and-dreamshttp://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/25-surprising-facts-about-sleephttp://www.ask.com/question/what-is-organic-compoundhttp://www.rndsystems.com/molecule_group.aspx?r=1&g=627

SOURCEShttp://www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2013/ninds-17.htmhttp://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.mi.03.100149.001405http://www.chem4kids.com/files/bio_intro.html