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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 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Serotonin Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Keywords Sleep system call Variety cybernetics Psychotherapist
Citations 8
Key points Proposes that the long-lasting positive psychological changes induced by serotonergic psychedelics may involve beneficial interactions with the self-optimizing functions of sleep.

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.

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