A major advancement in our understanding of how sleep works holds new potential for addressing sleep-related disorders and linked neuropsychiatric issues. Researchers have identified the melatonin receptor MT1 as a key factor in regulating REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
A major advancement in our understanding of how sleep works holds new potential for addressing sleep-related disorders and linked neuropsychiatric issues. Researchers have identified the melatonin receptor MT1 as a key factor in regulating REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
REM sleep is vital for dreaming, consolidating memories, and managing emotions. The MT1 melatonin receptor in the brain influences a kind of neuron that produces the neurotransmitter and hormone noradrenaline, found in a region known as the Locus Coeruleus, or “blue spot.” During REM sleep, these neurons become less active and reduce their activity. Serious health conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia—which currently lack effective treatments—are associated with disturbances in REM sleep.
“This finding not only enhances our comprehension of sleep mechanisms but also holds considerable clinical significance,” stated Gabriella Gobbi, the lead researcher of a recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience. She is a Professor of Psychiatry at McGill University, a clinician-scientist at the McGill University Health Centre’s Research Institute, and Canada Research Chair in Therapeutics for Mental Health.
The science behind sleep
Human sleep occurs in a specific order of non-REM and REM phases, each with unique physiological roles. REM sleep is crucial for consolidating memories and regulating emotions, while non-REM sleep aids in physical healing and maintenance. Interruptions in this sleep cycle can hinder cognitive abilities and elevate the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Until now, scientists struggled to pinpoint the specific receptor responsible for initiating REM sleep. The recent study has revealed that the melatonin MT1 receptor is a significant controller of this particular sleep phase. By using a new drug that targets MT1 receptors, researchers were able to effectively increase the duration of REM sleep in animal tests while also decreasing neuronal activity.
“At the moment, there are no medications directly focused on REM sleep. Most sedative drugs available tend to increase overall sleep duration but negatively impact REM sleep,” remarked Dr. Stefano Comai, co-senior author of the study as well as a Professor at the University of Padua and an Adjunct Professor at McGill University.
According to the researchers, additional studies on the neurobiology and pharmacology of REM sleep are essential for creating targeted therapies that could enhance the living conditions of individuals suffering from these debilitating diseases. As scientists delve deeper into the complexities of sleep regulation, the prospect for effective treatments for neurological disorders appears increasingly promising.
