Research has shown that oxygen exposure can aid the brain in deep and restorative sleep.
Researchers at the University of Alberta were interested in how O2 levels would affect brain function. They administered oxygen to rats under anesthesia, and examined how it affected their neural activity.Their brains went into an active state when they were pumping oxygen. They then fell into slow-wave, deactivated sleep.
Another interesting fact is that the brains returned to rapid-eye movement sleep after the researchers removed oxygen. The brain remained active and in REM when they were exposed at lower than normal oxygen levels.
Study authorClayton Dickson explained to me via phone that we don’t know what causes the brain to drift into the slow-wave state. Perhaps oxygen signals to brain stems to let organism know that everything is okay and that deep sleep can be possible.
Simply Breathe
Slow-wave sleepis what humans and rats can achieve during slumber. It is important for memory consolidation, healing, and to recharge the brain and body.
This was indeed tested on rats. What does this mean for humans?The study findings shed light on oxygen therapy in clinical settings for people suffering from sleep deprivation, emphysema, or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), among others.Dickson said:
This was our first step. Now we are looking at how it might affect brain activity in humans and if it could be used as therapy.
This research could still prove beneficial for those who are lucky enough to sleep well. Experts recommend sleeping on your side to ensure you are getting sufficient O2 throughout the night. Because lying on your stomach or back can increase the weight of your lungs, and lead to obstruction of airflow. You can also exercise regularly since oxygen levels naturally rise while you work out. Avoid alcohol before going to bed as this can cause your throat to relax and make it collapse.
It might not be necessary for you to rush to the nearest oxygen station. Dickson reminded that the results of these studies were not conclusive and that there is still much to be done.
He claims that the non-REM sleep was not as significant as one might think. It is quite easy for the body to regulate itself. If you do it for a longer time, oxygen exposure might not have such a lasting effect.
