Has RP ever commented on the physiology of sleep deprivation beyond the medical condition of insomnia? (I am fairly familiar with his Internet articles, books, and his more recent newsletters). I know that he has very clearly articulated that sleep is centrally involved in the consolidation of learning, and that the ability to sleep deeply and consistently is a desirable metabolic state that is associated with good/normal health.
I find that when I go without sleep for more than 16-18 hours I tend to have really interesting dreams when I do finally manage to pass out. Also, reading comprehension is reduced and my visual perception is altered slightly (things seem "more 3 dimensional").
What would you consider to be a plausible explanation? I would imagine the depletion (and subsequent restoration) of brain glycogen is in some way involved (or something similar, ie shifting the dopamine/serotonin balance away from it's familiar ratio).
I find that when I go without sleep for more than 16-18 hours I tend to have really interesting dreams when I do finally manage to pass out. Also, reading comprehension is reduced and my visual perception is altered slightly (things seem "more 3 dimensional").
What would you consider to be a plausible explanation? I would imagine the depletion (and subsequent restoration) of brain glycogen is in some way involved (or something similar, ie shifting the dopamine/serotonin balance away from it's familiar ratio).
