Specific Research Technique Focus: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Application in Sleep Research: Discuss how fMRI has been used to study brain activity changes due to sleep deprivation, especially in areas critical for cognitive functions like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
Outline for Research Paper
Introduction
Topic Overview: Discuss the importance of sleep and its regulatory effects on cognitive functions, with a specific focus on sleep deprivation.
Purpose of the Paper: Explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making.
Thesis Statement: Sleep deprivation significantly impairs cognitive functions through alterations in brain structures and neurochemical processes.
Research on How the Topic Relates to Brain Function or Structure
Neural Basis of Sleep and Its Disruption: Outline the sleep-wake regulation by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus and how disruption affects brain function.
Structural and Functional Changes Due to Sleep Deprivation: Detail the effects of sleep deprivation on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, crucial for executive functions and memory processing.
Neurochemical Impact: Discuss alterations in neurotransmitter systems such as acetylcholine, dopamine, and cortisol during sleep deprivation and their implications for cognitive deficits.
Research on Treatments for the Disorder
Pharmacological Interventions: Examine the use of stimulants (like modafinil) and their effects on cognitive functions in the context of sleep deprivation.
Behavioral and Lifestyle Changes: Emphasize the importance of sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in restoring cognitive functions.
Technological and Environmental Interventions: Discuss the role of light therapy and sleep environment optimization in managing sleep deprivation.
Conclusion
Summary of Findings: Recap the key findings on how sleep deprivation affects cognitive functions and the neurobiological underpinnings.
Societal Impacts: Reflect on how widespread sleep deprivation can affect productivity and mental health at a community level.
Future Research Directions: Propose further research on protective factors against cognitive decline due to sleep deprivation and innovative treatment approaches.
Call for Support: Highlight the need for increased awareness and research funding focused on the cognitive consequences of sleep deprivation.
References
Walker,
M. P. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams.
Scribner. (Provides a comprehensive overview of sleep’s effects on the
brain and mental health.)
Xie,
L., Kang, H., Xu, Q., Chen, M. J., Liao, Y., Thiyagarajan, M., … &
Nedergaard, M. (2013). Sleep drives metabolite clearance from the adult
brain. Science, 342(6156), 373-377. (Demonstrates the role of sleep
in clearing beta-amyloid, a neurotoxic protein associated with Alzheimer’s
disease, from the brain.)
Goldstein,
A. N., & Walker, M. P. (2014). The role of sleep in emotional brain
function. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 10, 679-708.
(Reviews how sleep, particularly REM sleep, is crucial for emotional
regulation and mental health.)
Baglioni,
C., Spiegelhalder, K., Lombardo, C., & Riemann, D. (2010). Sleep and
emotions: A focus on insomnia. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 14(4),
227-238. (Discusses the bidirectional relationship between sleep and
emotional health, highlighting the impact of insomnia.)
Alhola,
P., & Polo-Kantola, P. (2007). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive
performance. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 3(5), 553-567.
(Provides evidence of how sleep deprivation adversely affects cognitive
functions.)
·
Smithies,
T. D., Toth, A. J., Dunican, I. C., Caldwell, J. A., Kowal, M., & Campbell,
M. J. (2021). The effect of sleep restriction on cognitive performance in elite
cognitive performers: A systematic review. Sleep, 44(7).
https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsab008
· Dewald-Kaufmann,
J., Oort, F., & Meijer, A. (2013). The effects of sleep extension on sleep
and cognitive performance in adolescents with chronic sleep reduction: An
experimental study. Sleep Medicine, 14(6), 510-517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2013.01.012
· Thomas,
J., Ooms, S.J., Mentink, L.J. et al. Effects of long-term
sleep disruption on cognitive function and brain amyloid-β burden: a case-control
study. Alz Res Therapy 12, 101 (2020).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-020-00668-5
Instructions for the Research Paper in PSY 278- Brain and
Behavior
The purpose of this assignment is to allow you to explore in
more detail an aspect of brain functions that you find interesting. Most
individuals choose some type of disorder that has a clear brain-based element that
relates to causes or treatments for the disorder. You are welcome to propose
other topics, but you must be able to relate them to brain function or
structure. Your final topic choice must
be approved by Dr. Dodson.
Your paper should be 6-7 pages (not counting title or Works Cited/References
pages) in either proper APA or MLA format. You may use the
textbook from this class as a source, plus at least 5 additional
scholarly sources (books, peer reviewed journal articles, etc.) One of the 5 scholarly
sources can be a scholarly-oriented website that presents demographics or summarizes
research on the topic, but only 1 website can count as scholarly. Op-ed pieces, new articles, films, etc. can
certainly be cited, but they do not count as one of your five scholarly
sources. Please do not hesitate to contact the Writing Center if you need assistance. The staff at the Bishop Library are also extremely
helpful and will be glad to assist you in a search for reputable sources.
Your paper should be organized using the sections listed below. Remember that
you have an overall page requirement of 6-7 pages, but I am not indicating a
specific length for each section. Your task is to decipher how much material is
needed to fully respond to the prompt’s questions.
Introduction
Introduce
the topic you are exploring and the purpose of your paper. Why is this topic
worthy of exploring? If you are exploring a disorder, can you provide a desciption
of symptoms or dysfunctions, demographic data on what percentage of the
population is affected and any information on the types of individuals who are affected.
Be sure to include a thesis statement.
Research on how the topic relates to brain function or structure
Explain
our current understanding of the neural basis of the disorder. Are there
structural differences tied to the disorder; are there functional differences;
are there neurochemical differences? How
does the neural basis of the disorder relate to the symptoms that are present?
Research on treatments for the disorder
If
research can clearly identify aspects of brain function that cause dysfunction,
what types of treatments are possible to address the symptoms. Can early
intervention prevent the development of the disorder or lessen the severity of
the symptoms? Are drug therapies available? Are other approaches such as deep
brain stimulation or implants an option? Do biological therapy approaches need
to be combined with psychological approaches such as therapy or counseling?
Conclusion
In addition to summarizing the overall findings of your paper, I would
encourage you to also reflect on whether this topic has impacts at the societal
level (for example, predicted increases in the number of individuals developing
Alzheimer’s will put a serious strain on our ability to house and care for
these individuals). You might also consider the current state of research
related to the topic. Can you suggest new directions for research, can you
identify areas where the research needs to be expanded? Are new treatment
approaches needed, and what might those be? Is this an area that has been
underfunded and could benefit from governmental support for research?
