NeuroTalk Support Groups - View Single Post

paula_w · 01-21-2010, 10:12 AM

cortisol and acetylcholine work together. even as we sleep.

http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/ind...&therow=225891

http://www.sleepdisorderchannel.com/rem/index.shtml
http://learnmem.cshlp.org/content/11/6/671.full

REM - normal
SWS - slow wave sleep - normal
RBD - REM Behavior Disorder - abnormal -acting out dreams, yelling, acetycholine and cortisol are unblocked

In a normal person
Sleep Paralysis
The basic mechanism for REM sleep paralysis is found in the brainstem. Neurotransmitters, particularly the monoamines (largely serotonin [5-HT] and norepinephrine [NE]) and acetylcholine, play a critical role in switching the brain from one sleep stage to another. REM sleep occurs when activity in the aminergic system has decreased enough to allow the reticular system to escape its inhibitory influence (Hobson et al. 1975, 1998).

The release from aminergic inhibition stimulates cholinergic reticular neurons in the brainstem and switches the sleeping brain into the highly active REM state, in which acetylcholine levels are as high as in the waking state. 5-HT and NE, on the other hand, are virtually absent during REM. SWS, conversely, is associated with an absence of acetylcholine and nearly normal levels of 5-HT and NE (Hobson and Pace-Schott 2002).

Physicians and sleep technicians hypothesize that the brain naturally and purposely prevents motor activity during REM sleep to ensure restful, inactive sleep during the most electrically active stage of sleep. In this context, sleep paralysis describes a normal state of sleep, unlike sleep paralysis experienced in narcolepsy, which affects people while they are trying to stay awake.

Motor Activity and REM Sleep not normal
In RBD, neurotransmitters are not blocked, and the voluntary muscles become tonic, or tensely contracted, allowing a sleeping person to move his or her muscles during REM
~
This is considered a possible pre-motor pd symptom.

another 'It adds up".
paula