Sleep is a complex physiological process that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The pathophysiology of sleep involves an intricate interplay of various neurobiological and physiological mechanisms. There are four stages of the sleep cycle, split into two categories: non rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement stage. Stages 1 and 2 involve non rapid eye movement and it is easier to be awoken during these stages. Stage 3 is the deepest part of non rapid eye movement sleep. This is when your muscles and body relax more, and brain waves show slowed down activity which is vastly different from waking brain activity. Deep sleep is thought to play a crucial role in both the body's recovery and the enhancement of effective cognitive processes, including thinking and memory. The last stage belongs to the rapid eye movement category.
Several factors, both internal and external, can influence the pathophysiology of sleep, including stress, environmental factors, and medical conditions. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of sleep is essential for addressing sleep-related disorders and promoting optimal sleep hygiene for overall health and cognitive function. An external factor such as atopic dermatitis has been linked to sleep disturbance and impaired neurocognitive function.
Atopic dermatitis is “a chronic, pruritic and inflammatory, dry skin condition” (1). It is characterized by itchy red dry skin. Atopic dermatitis commonly causes sleep disturbance, especially during uncontrolled flare ups. A cycle of itching and scratching is accompanied by an inflammatory response leading to significant sleep disturbance, especially since itch is often reported to be worse at night (1). Those with atopic dermatitis experience sleep disturbance. Studies show that “over 60% of parents report that AD affects how well they or their child sleep” (1).
The phenomenon of nocturnal itching has prompted theories pointing towards variations in skin barrier function during the night. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a gauge of skin barrier integrity, has been linked to the intensity of itch in atopic dermatitis (AD). Studies suggest that the increase in peripheral skin temperature during the night, a mechanism to reduce core temperature, may lead to a corresponding rise in TEWL, potentially heightening nocturnal itch sensations. These nocturnal itch sensations impact sleep quality heavily. A decrease in sleep quality has been shown to affect attention, memory, processing speed, and regulating behaviors. Children who suffer from AD also are more hyperactive and have lower cognitive performance due to inadequate sleep in their early life.
The intricate relationship between sleep and skin health underscores the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. Adequate and quality sleep plays a pivotal role in supporting the body's regenerative processes, including skin repair and maintenance. The reciprocal nature of this connection is evident as disruptions in sleep patterns due to nocturnal itching can adversely impact one livelihood. Moreover, addressing sleep-related issues can be integral in managing certain skin conditions, as seen in the case of nocturnal itching exacerbation.
Recognizing the bidirectional influence between sleep and skin underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to health that encompasses both lifestyle modifications and targeted skincare practices.
References:
Cameron S, Donnelly A, Broderick C, et al. Mind and skin: Exploring the links between inflammation, sleep disturbance and neurocognitive function in patients with atopic dermatitis. Allergy. 2024; 79: 26-36. doi:10.1111/all.15818
Sleep is a complex physiological process that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The pathophysiology of sleep involves an intricate interplay of various neurobiological and physiological mechanisms. There are four stages of the sleep cycle, split into two categories: non rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement stage. Stages 1 and 2 involve non rapid eye movement and it is easier to be awoken during these stages. Stage 3 is the deepest part of non rapid eye movement sleep. This is when your muscles and body relax more, and brain waves show slowed down activity which is vastly different from waking brain activity. Deep sleep is thought to play a crucial role in both the body's recovery and the enhancement of effective cognitive processes, including thinking and memory. The last stage belongs to the rapid eye movement category.
Several factors, both internal and external, can influence the pathophysiology of sleep, including stress, environmental factors, and medical conditions. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of sleep is essential for addressing sleep-related disorders and promoting optimal sleep hygiene for overall health and cognitive function. An external factor such as atopic dermatitis has been linked to sleep disturbance and impaired neurocognitive function.
Atopic dermatitis is “a chronic, pruritic and inflammatory, dry skin condition” (1). It is characterized by itchy red dry skin. Atopic dermatitis commonly causes sleep disturbance, especially during uncontrolled flare ups. A cycle of itching and scratching is accompanied by an inflammatory response leading to significant sleep disturbance, especially since itch is often reported to be worse at night (1). Those with atopic dermatitis experience sleep disturbance. Studies show that “over 60% of parents report that AD affects how well they or their child sleep” (1).
The phenomenon of nocturnal itching has prompted theories pointing towards variations in skin barrier function during the night. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), a gauge of skin barrier integrity, has been linked to the intensity of itch in atopic dermatitis (AD). Studies suggest that the increase in peripheral skin temperature during the night, a mechanism to reduce core temperature, may lead to a corresponding rise in TEWL, potentially heightening nocturnal itch sensations. These nocturnal itch sensations impact sleep quality heavily. A decrease in sleep quality has been shown to affect attention, memory, processing speed, and regulating behaviors. Children who suffer from AD also are more hyperactive and have lower cognitive performance due to inadequate sleep in their early life.
The intricate relationship between sleep and skin health underscores the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. Adequate and quality sleep plays a pivotal role in supporting the body's regenerative processes, including skin repair and maintenance. The reciprocal nature of this connection is evident as disruptions in sleep patterns due to nocturnal itching can adversely impact one livelihood. Moreover, addressing sleep-related issues can be integral in managing certain skin conditions, as seen in the case of nocturnal itching exacerbation.
Recognizing the bidirectional influence between sleep and skin underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to health that encompasses both lifestyle modifications and targeted skincare practices.
References:
Cameron S, Donnelly A, Broderick C, et al. Mind and skin: Exploring the links between inflammation, sleep disturbance and neurocognitive function in patients with atopic dermatitis. Allergy. 2024; 79: 26-36. doi:10.1111/all.15818
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works