Keywords

insomnia, neuroimaging, heuristic model, hyperarousal

Abstract

Neuroimaging studies have produced seemingly contradictory findings in regards to the pathophysiology of insomnia. Although most study results are interpreted from the perspective of a “hyperarousal” model, the aggregate findings from neuroimaging studies suggest a more complex model is needed. We provide a review of the major findings from neuroimaging studies, then discuss them in relation to a heuristic model of sleep-wake states that involves three major factors: wake drive, sleep drive, and level of conscious awareness. We propose that insomnia involves dysregulation in these factors, resulting in subtle dysregulation of sleep-wake states throughout the 24 h light/dark cycle.

Original Publication Citation

Kay DB, Buysse DJ. Hyperarousal and beyond: new insights to the pathophysiology of insomnia disorder through functional neuroimaging studies. Brain Sci. 2017;7(23):1-19. doi:10.3390/brainsci7030023.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2017-02-23

Publisher

Brain Sci.

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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Psychology Commons

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