Dreams may be most effective form of therapy
24/11/2011
One of the best ways to get through a trauma could be as easy as going to bed, researchers in the US have found.
During sleep, there is a considerable drop in a chemical produced in the brain that is associated with stress, explained the team from the University of California, Berkeley.
This enables the brain to process emotional experiences much more effectively, which experts believe could be crucial in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Els van der Helm, lead author of the study, commented: "During REM sleep, memories are being reactivated, put in perspective and connected and integrated, but in a state where stress neurochemicals are beneficially suppressed."
Volunteers were shown 150 images designed to create an emotional response, with half of them allowed a good night's sleep.
Those who were allowed to rest showed less activity in the amygdala part of the brain in the MRI scanner, which is linked to heightened emotions.
Posted by Michael Ewing
