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Sleep spindles, mobile phones, lucid dreaming and sleep in Parkinson's disease and autism spectrum disorders.

Sleep spindles, mobile phones, lucid dreaming and sleep in Parkinson's disease and autism spectrum disorders.

J Sleep Res. 2012 Dec;21(6):601-2

Authors: Dijk DJ

PMID: 23186111 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

22q11.2 Microduplication syndrome and epilepsy with continuous spikes and waves during sleep (CSWS). A case report and review of the literature.

22q11.2 Microduplication syndrome and epilepsy with continuous spikes and waves during sleep (CSWS). A case report and review of the literature.

Epilepsy Behav. 2012 Dec;25(4):567-72

Authors: Valvo G, Novara F, Brovedani P, Ferrari AR, Guerrini R, Zuffardi O, Sicca F

Abstract
Chromosome 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome is characterized by a variable and usually mild phenotype and by incomplete penetrance. Neurological features of the syndrome may entail intellectual or learning disability, motor delay, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, seizures or abnormal EEG are reported in a few cases. We describe a 6-year-old girl with microduplication of chromosome 22q11.2 and epilepsy with continuous spikes and waves during sleep (CSWS). Her behavioral disorder, characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, attention deficit, and aggressiveness, became progressively evident a few months after epilepsy onset, suggesting a link with the interictal epileptic activity characterizing CSWS. We hypothesize that, at least in some cases, the neurodevelopmental deficit seen in the 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome could be the consequence of a disorder of cerebral electrogenesis, suggesting the need for an EEG recording in affected individuals. Moreover, an array-CGH analysis should be performed in all individuals with cryptogenic epilepsy and CSWS.

PMID: 23159380 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Neuropsychiatric impairment in children with continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep: a long-term follow-up study.

Neuropsychiatric impairment in children with continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep: a long-term follow-up study.

Epilepsy Behav. 2012 Dec;25(4):558-62

Authors: Margari L, Buttiglione M, Legrottaglie AR, Presicci A, Craig F, Curatolo P

Abstract
A long-term follow-up study was conducted in patients affected by Continuous Spikes and Waves during slow Sleep (CSWS) to evaluate the long-term outcomes. Twenty-five patients (19 males, 6 females), from 2 to 16 years of age (mean age 6 years±3 SD), affected by CSWS syndrome, as defined by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE, 1989), were enrolled and followed for 11 years (mean duration of follow-up: 3.9 years). At the time of the appearance of CSWS, one or more neuropsychiatric disorders were present in 96% of the patients, such as behavioral problems in 54%, mental retardation in 37.5%, learning disabilities in 33%, developmental coordination disorder in 17%, language disorder in 12.5%, and pervasive developmental disorder in 8%. During the follow-up, neuropsychiatric dysfunctions remained unaltered in 52% of the patients, worsened in 24%, and improved in only 24%. Our data confirm that CSWS may be associated with a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders and may promote their worsening over time. Moreover, the findings cannot be generalized to all cases of children with CSWS because most of the children in the subgroups with no change in outcome and worse outcome had symptomatic CSWS.

PMID: 23159378 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Behavioural hyperventilation as a novel clinical condition associated with central sleep apnoea: a report of three cases.

Behavioural hyperventilation as a novel clinical condition associated with central sleep apnoea: a report of three cases.

Sleep Med. 2012 Dec;13(10):1317-20

Authors: Pevernagie D, Mariman A, Vandenbussche N, Tobback E, Overeem S, Delesie L, Janssen H, Vogelaers D

Abstract
Central sleep apnoea (CSA) is a disorder characterised by repetitive episodes of decreased ventilation due to complete or partial reduction in the central neural outflow to the respiratory muscles. Hyperventilation plays a prime role in the pathogenesis of CSA. Chronic heart failure and dwelling at high altitude are classical conditions in which CSA is induced by hyperventilation. Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) is a prevalent behavioural condition in which minute ventilation exceeds metabolic demands, resulting in haemodynamic and chemical changes that produce characteristic dysphoric symptoms. HVS is frequently caused by anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Until now, medical literature has focussed primarily on daytime symptoms of behavioural hyperventilation. It is currently unknown how this condition may affect sleep. Three cases are reported in which behavioural hyperventilation was associated with occurrence of significant central sleep apnoea, which was not present during normal tidal breathing in steady sleep. Therefore, behavioural hyperventilation should be added to the list of known clinical conditions associated with CSA.

PMID: 23127577 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Novel pharmacological approaches for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children.

Novel pharmacological approaches for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children.

Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2013 Jan;22(1):71-85

Authors: Kheirandish-Gozal L, Kim J, Goldbart AD, Gozal D

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The lymphadenoid tissues in the upper airway are sparse and organized lympho-epithelial structures playing an important role against foreign pathogens, with the palatine tonsils being the major components of the lymphoid tissues contained in the Waldeyer's ring. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has emerged as a very frequent condition in the pediatric age range that is associated with substantial neurobehavioral, cardiovascular and metabolic morbidities. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the major pathophysiological contributor to OSA occurrence in children. AREAS COVERED: Here, the authors provide a systematic review and summary of some of the known histological and pathological features of human lymphadenoid tissues and their fundamental immunological functions, provide insights into the pathophysiology of pediatric OSA, particularly focusing on inflammatory pathways and the available outcomes associated with targeting such pathways with compounds such as corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers. Furthermore, they present findings from an unbiased approach to discovery of therapeutic targets and formulate constructs toward putative future interventional approaches for this highly prevalent condition. EXPERT OPINION: Surgical approaches for pediatric OSA may not be as effective as previously anticipated. Accordingly, expanded use of existing systemic or topical anti-inflammatory agents or development of novel compounds targeting selected immune cell populations underlying pathophysiological determinants of OSA is needed.

PMID: 23126687 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A key circulatory defence against asphyxia in infancy--the heart of the matter!

A key circulatory defence against asphyxia in infancy--the heart of the matter!

J Physiol. 2012 Dec 1;590(Pt 23):6157-65

Authors: Cohen G, Katz-Salamon M, Malcolm G

Abstract
A resumption of, and escalation in, breathing efforts (hyperpnoea) reflexively accelerates heart rate (HR) and may facilitate cardiac and circulatory recovery from apnoea. We analysed whether this mechanism can produce a sustained rise in HR (tachycardia) when a sleeping infant is confronted by mild, rapidly worsening asphyxia, simulating apnoea. Twenty-seven healthy term-born infants aged 1-8 days rebreathed the expired gas for 90 s during quiet sleep to stimulate breathing and heart rate. To discriminate cardio-excitatory effects of central respiratory drive, lung inflation, hypoxia, hypercapnia and asphyxia, we varied the inspired O(2) level and compared temporal changes in response profiles as respiratory sensitivity to hypoxia and asphyxia 'reset' after birth. We demonstrate that asphyxia-induced hyperpnoea and tachycardia strengthen dramatically over the first week with different time courses and via separate mechanisms. Cardiac excitation by hypercapnia improves first, followed by a slower improvement in respiratory hypoxic drive. A rise in CO(2) consequently elicits stronger, longer lasting tachycardia than moderate increases in respiratory drive or lung expansion. We suggest that without a strong facilitating action of CO(2) on the immature heart, respiratory manoeuvres may be unable to reflexively counteract strong vagal bradycardia. This may increase the vulnerability of some infants to apnoea-asphyxia.

PMID: 23006482 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Continuity and discontinuity of trouble sleeping behaviors from early childhood to young adulthood in a large Australian community-based-birth cohort study.

Continuity and discontinuity of trouble sleeping behaviors from early childhood to young adulthood in a large Australian community-based-birth cohort study.

Sleep Med. 2012 Dec;13(10):1301-6

Authors: Al Mamun A, O'Callaghan F, Scott J, Heussler H, O'Callaghan M, Najman J, Williams G

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the continuity and discontinuity of trouble sleeping behaviors (TSB) from childhood to adolescence and young adulthood in a community-based prospective birth cohort study.
METHODS: The original study comprised 7223 mother-offspring pairs who were followed prospectively at pregnancy, 6 months, 5, 14 and 21 years post-delivery. Participant numbers differ by follow-up stages. There were 3184 offspring for whom we have consistently collected information on TSB retrospectively at 2-4 years, and prospectively at 14 and 21 years of age.
RESULTS: These comprised maternal-reported offspring TSB at 2-4 years and 14 years, and offspring-reported trouble sleeping at 14 and 21 years. One in two children had persistent trouble sleeping from 2-4 to 14 years and two-thirds from 14 to 21 years. In the adjusted analysis, compared with 2-4-years-old children with no trouble sleeping, those who experienced trouble sleeping were 1.20 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.44) times more likely to have trouble sleeping at 21 years. Similarly, adolescents who experienced trouble sleeping were 1.94 (95% CI: 1.66, 2.27) times more likely to experience trouble sleeping at 21 years.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a continuity of TSB from early childhood through adolescence and young adulthood, although the persistence of TSB is strongest from adolescence to young adulthood. Interventions improving sleep in young children may prevent longer term difficulties in adolescents and young adults.

PMID: 22975142 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Sleep and cardiometabolic function in obese adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Sleep and cardiometabolic function in obese adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Sleep Med. 2012 Dec;13(10):1307-12

Authors: Nandalike K, Agarwal C, Strauss T, Coupey SM, Isasi CR, Sin S, Arens R

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the polysomnography findings and cardiometabolic function among adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and matched female and male controls.
METHOD: Retrospective chart review of electronic medical records of 28 girls with PCOS (age: 16.8±1.9 years, body mass index (BMI) Z-score 2.4±0.4), 28 control females (age: 17.1±1.8, BMI Z-score 2.4±0.3) and 28 control males (age: 16.6±1.6, BMI Z-score 2.5±0.5) in a tertiary care centre.
RESULTS: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was higher in girls with PCOS compared to control females (16/28 (57%) vs. 4/28(14.3%), p<0.01); however, it was comparable to that of the control males (16/28(57%) vs. 21/28(75%), p=0.4). Girls with PCOS had a significantly higher prevalence of insulin resistance compared to control females and control males (20/28 (71.4%) vs. 9/22 (41.0%) (p=0.04) vs. 8/23 (34.8%) (p=0.01). Among girls with PCOS, those with OSA had significantly higher proportions of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (9/16 (56.3%) vs. 1/12 (8.3%) p=0.03), higher insulin resistance (14/16 (87.5%) vs. 6/12 (50%), p=0.04), elevated daytime systolic blood pressure (128.4±12.8 vs. 115.6±11.4, p<0.01), lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (38.6±8.7 vs. 49±10.9, p=0.01) and elevated triglycerides (TG) (149.7±87.7 vs. 93.3±25.8, p=0.03) compared to those without OSA.
CONCLUSIONS: We report a higher prevalence of OSA and metabolic dysfunction in a selected group of obese girls with PCOS referred with sleep-related complaints compared to BMI-matched control girls without PCOS. We also report higher prevalence of cardiometabolic dysfunction in girls with PCOS and OSA compared to girls with PCOS without OSA.

PMID: 22921588 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Sleep impairment, mood symptoms, and psychosocial functioning in adolescent bipolar disorder.

Sleep impairment, mood symptoms, and psychosocial functioning in adolescent bipolar disorder.

Psychiatry Res. 2012 Dec 30;200(2-3):265-71

Authors: Lunsford-Avery JR, Judd CM, Axelson DA, Miklowitz DJ

Abstract
Few empirical studies have investigated the role of sleep impairment in the course of adolescent bipolar spectrum disorders (BSD). The present study examined the longitudinal associations between sleep disruption, mood symptom severity, and psychosocial functioning in a 2-year follow-up of patients with adolescent BSD. Fifty-three adolescents with BSD (mean [S.D.] age: 14.6 [1.6]) participated in a two-site randomized trial of family focused treatment for adolescents (FFT-A) or enhanced care, a briefer psychoeducational treatment; both treatments were administered with pharmacotherapy. Sleep disturbance was assessed with the Adolescent Sleep Habits Questionnaire (ASHQ) filled out by patients every 6 weeks in the first study year and every 3 months in the second year. Main outcomes included clinician-rated measures of mania, depression and psychosocial impairment over 2 years. Sleep impairment was significantly associated with mania and depression severity scores and psychosocial impairment ratings across the 2-year follow-up. Despite its efficaciousness in reducing mood symptoms, FFT-A was not more effective than enhanced care in improving sleep habits. Sleep impairment may play a substantial role in the course of adolescent BSD. Youth with BSDs may benefit from targeted psychosocial interventions that emphasize sleep regularity.

PMID: 22884306 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Intrinsic circadian period of sighted patients with circadian rhythm sleep disorder, free-running type.

Intrinsic circadian period of sighted patients with circadian rhythm sleep disorder, free-running type.

Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Jan 1;73(1):63-9

Authors: Kitamura S, Hida A, Enomoto M, Watanabe M, Katayose Y, Nozaki K, Aritake S, Higuchi S, Moriguchi Y, Kamei Y, Mishima K

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythm sleep disorder, free-running type (FRT), is an intractable sleep disorder in which sleep and wake times progressively delay each day even in normal living environments. This disorder severely affects the social functioning of patients because of periodic nighttime insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and a high rate of comorbid psychiatric disorders. Although abnormal regulation of the biological clock is suspected, the pathophysiology of FRT has yet to be elucidated. In this study, the endogenous circadian period, τ, of FRT patients with normal vision was compared with that of healthy individuals whose circadian rhythms are entrained to a 24-hour cycle.
METHODS: Six FRT patients and 17 healthy individuals (9 intermediate chronotypes and 8 evening chronotypes) were subjected to a 7-day, 28-hour sleep-wake schedule according to the forced desynchrony protocol. Phase shifts in melatonin rhythm were measured under constant routine conditions to calculate τ.
RESULTS: In FRT patients, τ was significantly longer than in intermediate chronotypes, whereas in evening chronotypes, it ranged widely and was not significantly different from that in FRT patients. Moreover, τ of melatonin rhythm in FRT patients showed no significant correlation with τ of sleep-wake cycles measured before the study.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that although a prolongation of τ may be involved in the onset mechanism of FRT, a prolonged τ is not the only factor involved. It appears that several factors including abnormal entrainment of circadian rhythms are involved in the onset of FRT in a multilayered manner.

PMID: 22846439 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adaptation night as determinants of sleep patterns in children.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adaptation night as determinants of sleep patterns in children.

Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012 Dec;21(12):681-90

Authors: Kirov R, Uebel H, Albrecht B, Banaschewski T, Yordanova J, Rothenberger A

Abstract
Sleep problems are a prominent feature in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but their relationships to sleep structure are not consistent across studies. We aimed at further examining the sleep architecture in children with ADHD, while considering the role of the first-night effect (FNE) as a possible confounder. Twenty unmedicated children with ADHD combined type (8-15 years old; mean 11.24, SD 2.31) and 19 healthy controls, matched for age and gender, underwent polysomnography during an adaptation and a consecutive second night. ADHD and controls displayed a typical FNE without group differences. Independently of testing night, children with ADHD spent more time in sleep and had shortened rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency and a greater amount of REM sleep relative to controls. However, the increased REM sleep amount in ADHD children was more expressed in the second night when it was also significantly related to scores of inattention and hyperactivity. Our results (1) document similar sleep adaptation processes in children with ADHD and typically developing children, (2) reveal that REM sleep changes in association with ADHD-specific psychopathology may characterize sleep in ADHD children, which is evident only when the FNE is accounted for, (3) indicate that ADHD psychopathology and adaptation night may exert opposite effects on REM sleep in children. These results may prompt the awareness of clinicians about the importance of actual sleep alterations and their precise evaluation in children with ADHD, which could significantly contribute to better diagnostic, treatment and early prevention strategies.

PMID: 22810917 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Sleep perception and the multiple sleep latency test in patients with primary insomnia.

Sleep perception and the multiple sleep latency test in patients with primary insomnia.

J Sleep Res. 2012 Dec;21(6):684-92

Authors: Huang L, Zhou J, Li Z, Lei F, Tang X

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between overnight sleep perception and the daytime multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) among individuals who were primary insomnia patients (PIPs) or good sleeper controls (GSCs). We collected overnight sleep data via polysomnography (PSG), subjective sleep data via a morning questionnaire (self-evaluated) and MSLT data via four 20-min naps over 8 h. Subjects included 122 PIPs and 48 GSCs. Sleep perception was calculated as subjective sleep time/objective sleep time × 100%. PIPs showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) between sleep time, as determined by PSG (387.8 ± 100 min) and self-report (226.3 ± 160 min), but no difference was obtained for GSCs (440.6 ± 53 versus 435.4 ± 65 min). The means for sleep perception were 56.4 ± 38.8% for the PIPs and 99.3 ± 13.6% for the GSCs (P < 0.001). In the PIPs group, weak but statistically significant negative correlations (r: -0.20 to -0.25) were found for MSLT versus sleep perception and versus self- and PSG-evaluated sleep time. Compared to PIPs with low scores on the MSLT, those with high scores had less sleep perception (%), less self- and PSG-evaluated sleep time and greater sleep misperception time. GSCs did not show significant correlations between MSLT and sleep measures or differences in comparisons between individuals with high and low scores on the MSLT. These results add novel data to the literature by suggesting that 24-h hyperarousal potentially plays a key role in the pathophysiological issues of insomnia.

PMID: 22738735 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Modeling the direction of causation between cross-sectional measures of disrupted sleep, anxiety and depression in a sample of male and female Australian twins.

Modeling the direction of causation between cross-sectional measures of disrupted sleep, anxiety and depression in a sample of male and female Australian twins.

J Sleep Res. 2012 Dec;21(6):675-83

Authors: Gillespie NA, Gehrman P, Byrne EM, Kendler KS, Heath AC, Martin NG

Abstract
The direction of causation between measures of disrupted sleep, anxiety and depression is not well understood. Under certain conditions, cross-sectional analysis based on genetically informative data can provide important information about the direction of causation between variables. Two community-based samples of 7235 Australian twins aged 18-87 years were mailed an extensive questionnaire that covered a wide range of personality and behavioral measures. Included were self-report measures of disrupted sleep, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression. Among all females, modeling the direction of causation did not support the hypothesis of sleep having a direct causal impact on risk of anxiety or depression. Among older females, we found evidence that both anxiety and depression interact reciprocally with disrupted sleep, whereas among younger women both anxiety and depression appear to have a causal impact on sleep. Results for males were equivocal. The nosological implications of our findings are discussed.

PMID: 22738694 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Lucid dreaming: an age-dependent brain dissociation.

Lucid dreaming: an age-dependent brain dissociation.

J Sleep Res. 2012 Dec;21(6):634-42

Authors: Voss U, Frenzel C, Koppehele-Gossel J, Hobson A

Abstract
The current study focused on the distribution of lucid dreams in school children and young adults. The survey was conducted on a large sample of students aged 6-19 years. Questions distinguished between past and current experience with lucid dreams. Results suggest that lucid dreaming is quite pronounced in young children, its incidence rate drops at about age 16 years. Increased lucidity was found in those attending higher level compared with lower level schools. Taking methodological issues into account, we feel confident to propose a link between the natural occurrence of lucid dreaming and brain maturation.

PMID: 22639960 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Controlled-release melatonin, singly and combined with cognitive behavioural therapy, for persistent insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Controlled-release melatonin, singly and combined with cognitive behavioural therapy, for persistent insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

J Sleep Res. 2012 Dec;21(6):700-9

Authors: Cortesi F, Giannotti F, Sebastiani T, Panunzi S, Valente D

Abstract
Although melatonin and cognitive-behavioural therapy have shown efficacy in treating sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders, little is known about their relative or combined efficacy. One hundred and sixty children with autism spectrum disorders, aged 4-10 years, suffering from sleep onset insomnia and impaired sleep maintenance, were assigned randomly to either (1) combination of controlled-release melatonin and cognitive-behavioural therapy; (2) controlled-release melatonin; (3) four sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy; or (4) placebo drug treatment condition for 12 weeks in a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio. Children were studied at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment response was assessed with 1-week actigraphic monitoring, sleep diary and sleep questionnaire. Main outcome measures, derived actigraphically, were sleep latency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset and number of awakenings. The active treatment groups all resulted in improvements across all outcome measures, with moderate-to-large effect sizes from baseline to a 12-week assessment. Melatonin treatment was mainly effective in reducing insomnia symptoms, while cognitive-behavioural therapy had a light positive impact mainly on sleep latency, suggesting that some behavioural aspects might play a role in determining initial insomnia. The combination treatment group showed a trend to outperform other active treatment groups, with fewer dropouts and a greater proportion of treatment responders achieving clinically significant changes (63.38% normative sleep efficiency criterion of >85% and 84.62%, sleep onset latency <30 min). This study demonstrates that adding behavioural intervention to melatonin treatment seems to result in a better treatment response, at least in the short term.

PMID: 22616853 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The prevalence of sleep problems and their socio-demographic and clinical correlates in young Chinese rural residents.

The prevalence of sleep problems and their socio-demographic and clinical correlates in young Chinese rural residents.

Psychiatry Res. 2012 Dec 30;200(2-3):789-94

Authors: Chiu HF, Xiang YT, Dai J, Chan SS, Leung T, Yu X, Hou ZJ, Ungvari GS, Caine ED

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of basic forms of sleep disturbance (DIS: difficulty initiating sleep; DMS: difficulty maintaining sleep; and EMA: early morning awakening) as well as insomnia (defined as sleep disturbance accompanied by distress or daily functioning impairment), their socio-demographic and clinical correlates, and the treatment patterns in young Chinese rural people. A sample of 1642 subjects was recruited in Mianyang and interviewed using standardized instruments. Basic socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. The prevalence of at least one type of reported sleep disturbance was 8.0%, while the prevalence of at least one type of insomnia was 2.7%. In multivariate analyses, age between 30 and 34 years, having psychiatric disorders, poorer physical domain of quality of life (QOL), better social QOL domain, depressive symptoms and lower social support were independently associated with more frequent sleep disturbance. At the same time, age between 30 and 34 years, female sex, poorer physical QOL domain, better social QOL domain, depressive symptoms, lower life satisfaction, lower social support and more life events were independently associated with more frequent insomnia. Self-reported sleep disturbances are common among young Chinese residents. The low percentage of treated community residents might suggest a need to promote accessible and easily implemented interventions.

PMID: 22503354 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Good morning creativity: task reactivation during sleep enhances beneficial effect of sleep on creative performance.

Good morning creativity: task reactivation during sleep enhances beneficial effect of sleep on creative performance.

J Sleep Res. 2012 Dec;21(6):643-7

Authors: Ritter SM, Strick M, Bos MW, van Baaren RB, Dijksterhuis A

Abstract
Both scientists and artists have suggested that sleep facilitates creativity, and this idea has received substantial empirical support. In the current study, we investigate whether one can actively enhance the beneficial effect of sleep on creativity by covertly reactivating the creativity task during sleep. Individuals' creative performance was compared after three different conditions: sleep-with-conditioned-odor; sleep-with-control-odor; or sleep-with-no-odor. In the evening prior to sleep, all participants were presented with a problem that required a creative solution. In the two odor conditions, a hidden scent-diffuser spread an odor while the problem was presented. In the sleep-with-conditioned-odor condition, task reactivation during sleep was induced by means of the odor that was also presented while participants were informed about the problem. In the sleep-with-control-odor condition, participants were exposed to a different odor during sleep than the one diffused during problem presentation. In the no odor condition, no odor was presented. After a night of sleep with the conditioned odor, participants were found to be: (i) more creative; and (ii) better able to select their most creative idea than participants who had been exposed to a control odor or no odor while sleeping. These findings suggest that we do not have to passively wait until we are hit by our creative muse while sleeping. Task reactivation during sleep can actively trigger creativity-related processes during sleep and thereby boost the beneficial effect of sleep on creativity.

PMID: 22404078 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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