A role for enhanced functions of sleep in psychedelic therapy?
Tom Froese, Iwin Leenen, Tomáš Páleníček
Adaptive Behavior April 4, 2018 DOI: 10.1177/1059712318762735 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAfter a long pause, research into serotonergic psychedelics as treatments has revived; controlled administration can produce lasting positive psychological changes, though the mechanisms are unclear. This paper highlights an underexplored possibility: that these benefits may arise from a beneficial interaction with sleep's self-optimizing functions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Serotonin |
| Keywords | Psychology Sleep system call Variety cybernetics Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key finding | The paper proposes that the long-lasting benefits of serotonergic psychedelics may involve a beneficial interaction with sleep's self-optimizing functions. |
Abstract
After a hiatus of several decades, there has been a resurgence of studies into the therapeutic potential of serotonergic psychedelics. When administered in controlled settings, they have been reported to induce a wide variety of long-lasting positive psychological changes. However, the mechanisms by which psychedelics impart these long-lasting benefits remain poorly understood. Here, we highlight one possibility that has remained underexplored: a beneficial interaction with the self-optimizing functions of sleep.