While a sleepless night can result in a 30% rise in anxiety levels, deep sleep could actually be a remedy against anxiety according to researchers at the University of California.
The researchers found that when the brain is in deep sleep (aka non-rapid eye movement or NREM) it has a calming effect on individuals with anxiety disorders.
MRI scans and other methods were used to measure brain activity in participants.
The results revealed that sleeplessness shuts down the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex – this helps to keep emotions in check.
However, a full night of slumber helps to restore prefrontal changes.
Mental Health Matters 