Have you ever wondered why you continue breathing even when you are in very deep sleep? This is a question that, until a couple of decades ago, had troubled researchers all over the world. After conducting numerous experiments on mammals such as cats and rats, many mysteries related to sleep have been solved. The sleep wake cycle, present in virtually all mammals, is controlled by a number of structures and systems in the brain. The reticular activating system (RAS) is one of the most significant.
Most of the knowledge we have today regarding the RAS was discovered in 1949 by curious researchers. It has been shown that this system is built around two vital structures in the brains of mammals, the thalamus and the brain stem. There are a number of nuclei located in both the thalamus and the brain stem. Reticular fibres connect these nuclei forming a reticular pattern hence the name. Injury to this area causes somnolence and lethargy.
The circuits that make up the RAS are modulated by a number of chemicals in the central nervous system known as neurotransmitters. There are two groups of these chemicals; cholinergic and adrenergic. Depending on the situation, these chemicals may work synergistically or competitively. Glutamate is the cholinergic neurotransmitter involved while adrenaline is the main adrenergic neurotransmitter. The release of these transmitters results in increased wakefulness.
The mediation of sleep wake transition is undoubtedly the main function of RAS. There is a varying degree of activation depending on the depth of sleep; the deeper the sleep, the more the activation and the lighter the sleep, the less the activation. Another function is that of initiating and maintaining a state of alertness and attention whenever there is such a need. Increased blood flow to the thalamus and the midbrain during these events is evidence of this.
The RAS is central to survival. It helps in providing information that is needed immediately particularly in stressful situations. It is an entry portal for a great amount of information. At any given point in time, there are many things happening in our environment. This includes almost all forms of stimuli such as sight, touch, auditory and taste. Filtering is done and your brain will only respond to what is most important at the time.
Several factors are known to hinder the development of this important system. Preterm births are associated with a sub optimally functioning RAS. Many children delivered before their due dates have varying degrees of sleep disorders. The problem may be carried on into adulthood. Smoking during pregnancy is another factor that may disturb the system. Affected children are excessively aroused.
A number of diseases that affect the central nervous system are said to bear some relationship to a disorder of RAS. These are mainly the result of a slowing down of RAS activity which may happen with advancing age. Consequently there is a higher incidence of these diseases in the elderly compared to the general population. Examples include narcolepsy, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia.
Good leaders need to take care of their RAS. To achieve this, there is a need to have thought training regularly. One way in which this ca be achieved is to ensure that you take care of your personal issues promptly. This ensures that you are not constantly distracted. Setting of goals is also important.
Most of the knowledge we have today regarding the RAS was discovered in 1949 by curious researchers. It has been shown that this system is built around two vital structures in the brains of mammals, the thalamus and the brain stem. There are a number of nuclei located in both the thalamus and the brain stem. Reticular fibres connect these nuclei forming a reticular pattern hence the name. Injury to this area causes somnolence and lethargy.
The circuits that make up the RAS are modulated by a number of chemicals in the central nervous system known as neurotransmitters. There are two groups of these chemicals; cholinergic and adrenergic. Depending on the situation, these chemicals may work synergistically or competitively. Glutamate is the cholinergic neurotransmitter involved while adrenaline is the main adrenergic neurotransmitter. The release of these transmitters results in increased wakefulness.
The mediation of sleep wake transition is undoubtedly the main function of RAS. There is a varying degree of activation depending on the depth of sleep; the deeper the sleep, the more the activation and the lighter the sleep, the less the activation. Another function is that of initiating and maintaining a state of alertness and attention whenever there is such a need. Increased blood flow to the thalamus and the midbrain during these events is evidence of this.
The RAS is central to survival. It helps in providing information that is needed immediately particularly in stressful situations. It is an entry portal for a great amount of information. At any given point in time, there are many things happening in our environment. This includes almost all forms of stimuli such as sight, touch, auditory and taste. Filtering is done and your brain will only respond to what is most important at the time.
Several factors are known to hinder the development of this important system. Preterm births are associated with a sub optimally functioning RAS. Many children delivered before their due dates have varying degrees of sleep disorders. The problem may be carried on into adulthood. Smoking during pregnancy is another factor that may disturb the system. Affected children are excessively aroused.
A number of diseases that affect the central nervous system are said to bear some relationship to a disorder of RAS. These are mainly the result of a slowing down of RAS activity which may happen with advancing age. Consequently there is a higher incidence of these diseases in the elderly compared to the general population. Examples include narcolepsy, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia.
Good leaders need to take care of their RAS. To achieve this, there is a need to have thought training regularly. One way in which this ca be achieved is to ensure that you take care of your personal issues promptly. This ensures that you are not constantly distracted. Setting of goals is also important.
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