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.

Wenbiao Gan, a neuroscience professor known for two-photon imaging of synaptic plasticity, discusses how sleep shapes dendritic spine formation and elimination. He covers imaging techniques, how learning and different sleep stages drive spine turnover, surprising findings about REM and non-REM roles, and ideas on why nightly pruning may improve learning and generalization.

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.

Mark Blagrove, a Swansea University psychology professor who studies dream content and nightmares, and Tore Nielsen, a University of Montreal neurocognitive dream researcher, chat about how they became dream scientists. They cover methods like lab awakenings and diaries. They explore REM versus non-REM differences, hidden dream details, emotions in dreams, and Tore’s fear extinction and sensitivity theories of nightmares.

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.

Karen Konkoly, a Northwestern researcher exploring consciousness and lucid-dream induction. Michelle Carr, a University of Rochester scientist studying sensory cueing and REM-triggered lucidity. They define lucid dreaming, explain cognitive and timing techniques to induce it, describe lab cueing and verification methods, and discuss clinical uses like reducing nightmares and using dreams to study consciousness.