Additionally, like norepinephrine, serotonergic neurons become virtually zero during REM sleep. We can test these theories by examining the effects of sleep deprivation on serotonin levels. If the former is true, then sleep deprivation should increase serotonin levels. On the contrary, if the latter is correct, deprivation should decrease the serotonin system. Support for an increase in serotonin function during total sleep deprivation comes from the finding that sleep deprivation produces an antidepressant response in humans.
Most antidepressant drugs increase serotonergic activity.
Moreover, serotonergic neurons have been shown to fire more frequently during total sleep deprivation. However, not all studies have confirmed an increase in serotonin during sleep deprivation. Studies have reported no changes in serotonin or 5-HIAA in the cortex, diencephalon, telecephalon, brainstem, or whole brain after REM sleep deprivation and total sleep deprivation have been reported. Performance Research Tech.