Sleep triggered by stress could help the body heal and recover, according to a recent perspective published in Neuron. Researchers say that under certain conditions—particularly emotional or immune-related stress—sleep may act as a protective response that enhances resilience, driven by brain circuits like the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and lateral habenula.
Stress usually disrupts sleep by activating arousal systems in the brain. But in some cases, it increases sleep need. This phenomenon, known as stress-induced sleep, is observed in animals after events like illness, social defeat, or predator exposure. The response appears to support healing, though it varies depending on the context and type of stress.
“Sickness sleep,” for instance, is a common response to infection where the body rests more to aid recovery. In rodent studies, emotional stressors also increase sleep and improve outcomes like reduced anxiety and better social behavior. Certain brain cells, like GABAergic neurons in the VTA, have been linked to this effect.
In humans, the relationship is more complex. Some people show deeper sleep after stress, and REM sleep may help process trauma. However, prolonged REM sleep is also seen in depression, and some treatments suppress it—raising questions about whether REM is always beneficial.
Unexpectedly, some studies suggest that brief sleep deprivation after trauma may prevent the formation of distressing memories. These findings reveal that the timing and type of sleep matter greatly in stress recovery.
Researchers note that more human studies are needed to fully understand how stress and sleep interact. Improving sleep—through therapy or better sleep habits—may offer a powerful tool to build resilience and manage stress-related disorders.
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