Sleep Science Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Professor Chiara Cirelli from the department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin. We begin by hearing about how she first got interested in sleep research, and particularly about her time as a medical student at the University of Pisa where she worked on the noradrenergic system using cat models. We then look at the importance of using cross-species models in sleep research with flies, mice, rats and humans. We also discuss the different ways of using these animal models and the different advantages they offer for sleep research. We then move on to Chiara's Synaptic Homeostasis Hypothesis. This hypothesis has been supported by data from a wide range of species, and suggests that an important function of sleep is to downscale synapses. During the day, brain connections (or synapses) relating to information we have learned get strengthened.  This can result in a kind of neural saturation, whereby there is no space for more synapses. The Synaptic Homeostasis Hypothesis proposes that these synapses are downscaled during sleep, bringing about a form of homeostasis that allows us to repeatedly strengthen synapses during wake and downscale during sleep. We also take a look at different ways of measuring synaptic growth across species such as molecular studies, structural or electrophysiological studies and the current difficulties in following synapses over long periods of time. Finally, we look at Chiara's most recent finding which shows synapses associated with new learning are protected from downscaling during sleep.  Instead, her latest data show that it is the background noise that is reduced during sleep, allowing for an increase in signal to noise ratio.We hope you enjoy the episode and please find more information below.  Here are links to some of the studies mentioned in the podcast:Synaptic Homeostasis Hypothesis Synaptic Homeostasis Hypothesis in Memory Consolidation Downscaling If you would like to find more information of Chiara's work, you can find a link to her research page here. Glossary of termsSynaptic Homeostasis  - Renormalistion of overall synaptic strength to restore cellular homeostasis, preventing saturation and allowing further memory formation following a day of learning  ATP 'cost' - ATP is our source of energy for everything that we do. An ATP 'cost' would refer to how much cellular energy something would use.Declarative learning - Learning about knowledge which we can talk about e.g dates, facts, events.  Drosophila - a genus of flies, commonly referred to as fruit flies, which are used regularly in scientific research.Smart down selection - A process of selectively protecting synapses which need to be kept during downscaling.Phosphorylation - Process of adding a phosphoryl group to a molecule. Phosphorylation can help regulate cell signals or protein development often acting as a way of 'labeling' cells. Noradrenergic System - A neurotransmitter system within our nervous system that is often associated with alertness or arousal. -Episode produced by Sophie SmCheck out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.

In this episode, we interviewed Professor Reto Huber, who leads a research group at the University Children’s Hospital, Zurich. Reto’s interests encompass sleep disorders, development, synaptic plasticity and regeneration. In this episode we discuss local sleep, a process whereby different parts of the brain express different depths of sleep or wake at different times. We consider the relationship of local sleep to phenomena such as sleep walking and sleep talking, and Reto explains a series of experiments exploring how local sleep relates to learning. We then consider the use of drosophila as a model to study sleep and the sleep homeostasis hypothesis before switching topic to discuss the developing brain and sleep. Reto explains some important experiments linking sleep to plasticity. We discuss the differences in slow wave activity throughout development, and how the activity corresponds to experience dependent plasticity. We then consider a potential link to childhood conditions such as ADHD. Finally, Reto explains closed loop auditory stimulation and some recent findings relating to local sleep and learning. We end the episode by exploring the potential use of the technique in clinical settings. If you would like to read more on Reto's work, you can find a link to his publications here.Glossary:Local Sleep - A phenomenon in which different parts of the brain experience different depths of sleep or wake at different times.Sleep Homeostasis- The optimal balancing of sleep and wake driven by sleep pressure and our circadian rhythmsSynaptic Homeostasis- Renormalising of overall synaptic strength to restore cellular homeostasis, prevent saturation and allow further memory formation following a day of learning ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderClosed Loop Auditory Stimulation- A method designed to enhance slow wave activity during sleep through auditory stimuli - Episode produced by Vanessa Hyde & Sophie SmithThis recording is property of the sleep science podcast and not for resaleCheck out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.

In this episode we talk to  Professor Manuel Schabus  and Professor Kerstin Hoedlmoser from the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Salzburg. In this episode, we discuss their work on the development of sleep-in babies, first discussing what baby sleep is like and how it differs from older children and adults in regard to activity and sleep stages and specifically sleep spindles and why we think this is. We also look at the difficulties of recording sleep in babies and what other methods are used to analyse and assess baby sleep. We then look in depth at the development on sleep spindles in babies and go on to discuss the difference between fast and slow spindles and their hypothesised importance in connection with memory consolidation and learning. We also discuss the importance of coupling activity and synchrony in the brain, specifically sleep spindles and slow oscillations and how these synchronise as we grow and develop and why this synchrony is important for memory and cognitive function.  If you'd like to find out more about Manuel's work you can find a link to his research page here and a link to Kerstin's research page here.Here are links to some of the studies mentioned in the podcast:        o Fast and slow spindles and their connection to cognitive and memory function        o  Coupling of slow oscillations and sleep spindles and motor learning        o  Coupling of slow oscillations and sleep spindles and memoryGlossary of termsSleep Spindle  - These are a burst of neural activity which usually occur during stage 2 non-REM sleep.(Synaptic) Pruning  - The natural removal of extra synaptic connections between neurons which occurs between childhood and adulthood.Declarative learning - A type of learning about knowledge which we can talk about e.g dates, facts, events. Episodic memory and semantic memory are types of declarative learning. Alpha Activity - A pattern of electric actvity in the brain, alpha activity predominately occurs during rest with a frequency between 9-11Hz.   - Episode produced by Sophie Smith & Bianca StreteThis recording is property of the sleep science podcast and not for resale Check out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.

In this episode, we talk to Professor Wenbiao Gan from the Neuroscience and Physiology and Skirball Institute at New York University School of Medicine.Professor Gan tells us about how he started to become interested in studying sleep and its impact on learning and memory.He talks about intriguing and hands-on ways to assess the formation and elimination of dendritic spines in  the mouse cortex, and how different experimental tasks like running backwards on a treadmill influence spine formation with or without sleep. Some counterintuitive results are presented and Professor Gan also shares his perspective on the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis.In the end, Professor Gan gives some thoughts about the future of sleep research and suggests new methods of improvement in the area.If you would like to find out more, here is a link to Professor Gan's full list of publications:Links to  the studies mentioned in the podcast:REM sleep promotes experience-dependent dendritic spine elimination in the mouse cortexFear extinction reverses dendritic spine formation induced by fear conditioning in the mouse auditory cortexREM sleep selectively prunes and maintains new synapses in development and learningExperience‐dependent plasticity of dendritic spines of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in the mouse cortexTwo-photon microscopy as a tool to investigate the therapeutic time window of methylprednisolone in a mouse spinal cord injury modelSleep contributes to dendritic spine formation and elimination in the developing mouse somatosensory cortexGlossary of terms (synaptic) pruning = a natural phase in the development of the nervous system during which connections between neurons that are no longer needed die off dendrites = tree-like extensions of the neuron dendritic spines = extensions of a dendrite that help receive information from other neuronssynaptic homeostasis = the idea that neural synapses cannot keep strengthening forever.  Instead, they must also downscale at some point in order to make space for further strengthening.  Such downscaling can be done in a relative manner that preserves information coded by the synapses in question.  Episode produced by Bianca Strete and Sophie Smith Check out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.

In this episode, we interviewed Colin Espie, one of the world’s leading authorities on sleep and insomnia. Colin is Professor in Sleep Medicine at the University of Oxford, and  Clinical Director of the Experimental & Clinical Sleep Medicine Programme, Sleep & Circadian Neurosciences Institute, again at the University of Oxford.  Professor Espie talks about sleep problems, explains why actively focusing on getting more sleep is not the best way to combat these issues.  He also argues that behavioural approaches are much more effective even though clinicians tend to prescribe medicine by default. He has solid plans for changing the treatment of insomnia in the future and has already made a flying start eleven years ago by launching Sleepio, the online sleep clinic.  Find out more about how Sleepio works and how can you register today by listening to this episode.If you would like to have a look at the Sleepio website, you can do it by clicking here. You can also click here to find out more about Prof. Espie and read through recent publications mentioned in this podcast.A new edition of Prof. Espie's book Overcoming Insomnia: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques, published by Little Brown Book Group will be released in late September.This recording is property of the sleep science podcast and not for resale.Glossary ·       Hypermetabolised (brain) = having an elevated energy expenditure ·       Hyperarousal = abnormal state of increased responsiveness to stimuli·       Chronotype = one’s natural inclination to sleep and be active at certain times of the day·       CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) = form of therapy aimed to improve mental health mainly through emotional regulation and developing coping mechanisms·       Sleep Restriction Therapy = a CBT therapy that works to decrease variability in the timing of sleep while increasing the depth of sleep - Episode produced by Bianca Strete & Sophie Smith Check out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.

In this discussion, Professor Tore Nielsen from the University of Montreal shares insights on imagery rehearsal techniques to transform nightmares into empowering experiences. He emphasizes how confronting anxiety in waking life can improve dream quality. Professor Mark Blagrove from Swansea University explores the fascinating realm of lucid dreaming, revealing its potential to enhance control in both dreams and daily life. The duo also delves into the intriguing 'dream-lag' effect, explaining how significant life events influence dreams days after they occur, shedding light on memory consolidation.

Tristan Bekinschtein, head of the Cambridge Consciousness and Cognition Lab, explores the intricate boundaries of consciousness and unconsciousness. He discusses loss of consciousness in patients and revealing brain markers, like the P300, that indicate shifts between states. Tristan shares fascinating insights into how people neglect the left side of their world as they fall asleep and examines resilience against stressors, particularly poverty. His groundbreaking research sheds light on our cognitive processes and the challenges posed by societal issues.

In this episode,  we talk to Professor Tore Nielsen from the University of Montreal and Professor Mark Blagrove from Swansea University. In part 1 of this two part episode, we talk about how both our guests became interested in the world of sleep and dreams  and then discuss what we actually dream about, from emotional REM dreams to non-rem dreams. We also talk about the different methods of collecting dream reports and the positives and negatives of these methods. We go on to discuss Tore's  fear extinction theory of nightmares, which proposes we dream about our fears in order to make them less frightening. We also explore the sensitivity theory which suggests more sensitive people have more nightmares when they are stressed. If you would like to find out more about either Tore's or Mark's work, you can find the links to the pages below.Tore's page here and Mark's page here . Here are links to some of the studies mentioned in the podcast:                o  Fear Extinction Model of Nightmares         o  Smelling and Tasting in our dreams        o  Emotions in our dreams        o  Susceptibility frameworkGlossary of terms  Lucid Dreaming - This is a type of dreaming where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming. The dreamer in some cases can have  control over the dream content. Metacognition - Where one is aware of their own thinking and thoughts. Alexithymia - Term used to describe difficulty in describing one's own emotions and  feelings. ****If you think we need to add a term or two here, please let us know****. -Episode produced by Sophie Smith Check out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.

Today's episode is a little bit different. We're marking the end of our first season by roping in the rest of the NaPS lab to answer listeners' sleep-related questions. Thanks to everyone who sent questions in!List of questions:Why do we use the term ‘sleeping like a baby’ when babies don’t, in fact, sleep? - From Jaime Jenkins How do hormones affect sleep?- From Beth LeeWhy do some people talk in their sleep? – From Christopher ReynoldsCan meditation before bed help you have deeper sleep? - From Lauren FinaldiWhy do we need to cycle through different sleep states multiple times per night i.e why isn’t it half the night slow wave sleep and half the night of REM sleep?– from Laura BojarskaiteHow come we remember dreams some nights and other nights nothing at all? - From Suzie SaadIs an eye mask effective for better sleep?- From Lauren Finaldi What exactly is happening during sleep paralysis and why does this happen sometimes? - From Brittany McCabeDo animals dream? - From Veronica CampeAre all of your senses still activated in sleep?- From Naasiha KoliaCan you fall asleep faster when you listen to white noise before bed? - From John NicolCheck out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.

Have you ever wished you could control your dreams? In this episode we learn about new approaches letting people do exactly that. We also delve into important benefits lucid dreaming could have, such as helping reduce nightmares or helping process traumatic memories. In addition, we explore how lucid dreams provide a window into understanding consciousness and people's inner worlds, and touch on the symbolism often found in dreams.This episode was produced by:  Dominic CarrIf you'd like to find out more about the guests featured in this episode or want to read up on their lucid dream induction study feel free to follow the links below:Michelle CarrKaren Konkoly Lucid dreaming induction study Glossary of terms used in the episode:Confabulation = mistaken or unintentionally fabricated memories.Dream sign =  something you notice in a dream that helps you realize that you're dreaming.Dream theme = dreams tend to fall into common themes, such as dreams about being chased,  flying,  or getting lost somewhere.Dream work = discussing your dream and perhaps re-imagining a more positive ending.Entrainment = when your brainwaves become synchronized to another rhythmic stimulus.EOG = electrodes placed near the eyes that detect eye movements.Intention setting = setting an objective to fulfill while dreaming, such as asking  a dream character a specific question.Prospective memory = remembering you need to do something in the future.Reality checking = asking yourself if you could be dreaming.Check out our NaPS website to find out more about the podcast, our research and events. This recording is the property of the Sleep Science Podcast and not for resale.