What chemical wakes you up?

TL;DR

• Noradrenaline plays a crucial role in waking by increasing high-frequency gamma EEG activity, associated with cortical and behavioral arousal.
• Serotonin decreases gamma EEG activity and does not significantly affect wakefulness.
• Environmental chemicals in consumer products disturb sleep quality, highlighting the need to reduce exposure.
• The balance between wake-active and sleep-active neurons determines sleep-wake cycles.

What Role Does Noradrenaline Play in Waking? 🌞

Noradrenaline regulates wakefulness by increasing high-frequency gamma EEG activity, associated with cortical and behavioral arousal. Released from neurons active during wakefulness, it decreases during slow-wave sleep (SWS) and ceases during REM sleep. Noradrenaline depolarizes cholinergic cells, enhancing wakefulness and reducing delta activity (deep sleep).

How Does Serotonin Affect Sleep-Wake States? 🌙

Serotonin hyperpolarizes cholinergic neurons, decreasing gamma EEG activity without significantly altering wakefulness. This contrasts with noradrenaline, as serotonin modulates wakefulness quality rather than duration.

What Is the Impact of Consumer Chemical Products on Sleep? 🏠

Exposure to mosquito repellents, insecticides, and perfumes correlates with higher Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, indicating poorer sleep quality. Reducing use of these products may mitigate sleep disturbances.

How Do Environmental Chemicals Affect Sleep Health? 🌍

Chemicals like arsenic, pesticides, and phthalates are linked to nighttime awakenings, daytime fatigue, and leg cramps during sleep. Minimizing exposure could improve sleep continuity and restorative effects.

What Is the Role of Neuronal and Chemical Substrates in Sleep-Wake Regulation? 🧠

Sleep-wake cycles depend on noradrenaline, histamine, and orexin (wake-promoting) versus GABA (sleep-promoting). Noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus enhance sensory processing and attention during wakefulness, while GABAergic neurons in the VLPO promote sleep.

Table: Neurotransmitter Effects on Sleep-Wake States

Conclusion

Noradrenaline drives wakefulness through gamma EEG activity, while serotonin modulates its quality. Environmental chemicals disrupt sleep, emphasizing the need for reduced exposure. The interplay between wake-active (noradrenaline, orexin) and sleep-active (GABA) neurons governs sleep-wake cycles.