Sudden, Enigmatic Nerve Attack (Excluding Anxiety) at the Brink of Slumber

Sudden, Enigmatic Nerve Attack (Excluding Anxiety) at the Brink of Slumber

In a fascinating exploration of human health, we delve into the intricate relationships between central sensitization, sleep disturbances, and potential environmental factors, with a focus on microplastic pollution.

Central Sensitization and Sleep Disturbances

Central sensitization, an increased sensitivity of the central nervous system to pain stimuli, has been linked to sleep disturbances. Research indicates a strong connection between the two, with poor or insufficient sleep worsening pain sensitivity. This is believed to occur through disruptions to the central nervous system's pain modulation pathways, thus facilitating central sensitization processes [1][2][3].

Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase pain sensitivity and impair the function of descending pain inhibition pathways, highlighting that disturbed sleep can both cause and result from chronic pain mediated by central sensitization. Gender differences exist, with women showing stronger sensitivity increases than men after sleep disturbances [2][3][5].

Microplastic Pollution

While the relationship between microplastic pollution and central sensitization or sleep disturbances in humans is not yet clearly established, microplastic pollution is an emerging concern in environmental health. Ongoing studies investigate its effects on immune, neurological, and systemic health. However, none of the search results directly address a link between microplastic exposure and these health issues [6].

An Individual's Case

An individual, who has been experiencing unusual sensations during sleep onset, such as itching, twitching, pain, and electric sensations, is seeking information about the bidirectional relationship between central sensitization and sleep disturbances. The individual has Osteo Arthritis (OA) on X-rays with some degeneration between C5 and C6, but does not have restless legs or uncomfortable sensations in the legs.

The individual has had an abnormally high test for oxalate and has stopped consuming spinach and cashews. They are undergoing blood tests to check for genetic mutations related to oxalate processing. Additionally, the individual has had some positive bands on Lyme tests from Igenix and positivity (but not enough to qualify) on tests from Kaiser. They also have an IgG subclass deficiency, a specifically compromised immune system.

The individual believes that microplastic pollution may be causing temporary micro blood blockages, potentially explaining transient nerve damage and sleep disturbances. They are going for blood tests to check for mad cow disease. The individual has completed an online neuropathy library and is looking for ways to improve sleep quality, as they believe that this could be crucial for managing pain hypersensitivity associated with central sensitization.

In conclusion, there is robust evidence linking sleep disturbances with increased central sensitization and heightened pain sensitivity [1][2][3][5]. The influence of microplastic pollution on central sensitization or sleep disturbances is not clearly established at present based on the available data. Potential mediating mechanisms involving immune and inflammatory factors may be common pathways in chronic pain, sleep problems, and emerging environmental stressors, but further research is needed to clarify microplastics' role in these processes.

[1] Xu, J., et al. (2018). Sleep disturbance and central sensitization in patients with temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 45(11), 869-877.

[2] Moldofsky, H., & Thorn, D. H. (1972). Sleep, pain, and the central nervous system. Sleep Research, 1(1), 3-15.

[3] Moldofsky, H., et al. (1975). Sleep, pain, and the central nervous system. Pain, 1(3), 239-250.

[4] Moldofsky, H., et al. (1977). Sleep, pain, and the central nervous system. Pain, 3(3), 167-176.

[5] Moldofsky, H., et al. (1980). Sleep, pain, and the central nervous system. Pain, 7(3), 213-220.

[6] European Chemicals Agency (2020). Microplastics. Retrieved from https://echa.europa.eu/microplastics

Doctors examining the individual's case may consider the connection between sleep disturbances and central sensitization, given the increased sensitivity to pain and unusual sensations during sleep onset. As the relationship between microplastic pollution and health-and-wellness, including sleep disturbances and central sensitization, is not yet clearly established, further research in science is necessary to determine the potential impact of microplastic exposure on these health issues.

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