Just one night without sleep can increase the amount of the chemical dopamine in the human brain, according to new imaging research in the August 20 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience. Because drugs that increase dopamine, like amphetamines, promote wakefulness, the findings offer a potential mechanism explaining how the brain helps people stay awake despite the urge to sleep.
However, the study also shows that the increase in dopamine cannot compensate for the cognitive deficits caused by sleep deprivation.
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As the new school year approaches, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and Awake In America encourage parents and kids to put healthy sleep on the list of back-to-school necessities. NSF and Awake In America recommend gradually adjusting sleep schedules in order to be alert and energized as well as to assure optimal learning, participation and health.
“Kids tend to sleep and wake up later during the summer, making the transition to the school-year sleep schedule difficult,” explains Awake In America’s President, Michele Narcavage. “As tempting as it is to enjoy sleeping late in the final days of summer break, getting up earlier for school will be much easier if kids begin adjusting their sleep schedules now.”
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