Sleep's Role in Emotional Brain Function: Why We Need Sleep for Mood Stability
How Does Sleep Regulate Emotional Brain Function and Mood Stability?
Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional brain circuits, with research showing that adequate sleep is essential for proper mood regulation and emotional stability. Sleep deprivation causes a 60% increase in emotional reactivity, primarily by disrupting the connection between the amygdala (emotional center) and prefrontal cortex (rational control center). During sleep, particularly REM sleep, the brain processes emotions, consolidates emotional memories, and restores the neural circuits that govern mood regulation and emotional responses.