The circadian timing system is highly integrated with the sleep-wake regulation system. This thesis focuses on how different pharmacological treatments influence the sleep regulation system and the... Show moreThe circadian timing system is highly integrated with the sleep-wake regulation system. This thesis focuses on how different pharmacological treatments influence the sleep regulation system and the circadian timing rhythm in two murine models. In the first animal model, which is presented in Chapter 2 and 3, we implanted EEG/EMG electrodes in freely moving Brown Norway rats. We chose this rat strain because it is pigmented and therefore a more representative model than the more mainstream rat strains which are usually albino rats. This study aimed to investigate the effect of caffeine, sleep deprivation and ketamine on sleep and circadian-controlled activity under constant darkness. In the second animal model, which is presented in Chapter 4 and 5, we implanted EEG/EMG or Multi-unit electrodes in chemotherapy-induced fatigue mice. All the results from this thesis and future perspectives were discussed in Chapter 6. We are able to see how disruption of sleep and the circadian clock adversely affect health and may contribute to many diseases in modern society. In this thesis, these studies provide a better understanding of these drugs influence the circadian timing system and sleep-wake regulation and maybe new treatment approaches for antidepressant therapy and cancer related fatigue. Show less
Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most frequently reported symptoms after treatment for (non-)Hodgkin lymphoma. This dissertation describes the procedure and results of the SPARKLE trial which... Show moreCancer-related fatigue is one of the most frequently reported symptoms after treatment for (non-)Hodgkin lymphoma. This dissertation describes the procedure and results of the SPARKLE trial which primarily aimed to investigate whether light therapy can be used as a treatment for chronic cancer-related fatigue since the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Secondary aims included the investigating of the effect of light therapy on symptoms related to cancer-related fatigue, for example depression, anxiety, quality of life, sleep quality, cognitive complaints and cognitive functioning. Objective measurements of the sleep-wake cycle (assessed with actigraphy) and circadian rhythms (melatonin and cortisol from saliva) were also included. An additional chapter describes the psychometric evaluation of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. This questionnaire was one of the primary outcomes of the SPARKLE trial. The final chapter describes a critical evaluation of the results of the SPARKLE trial compared to the current literature, offers clinical implications and proposals for future research. Show less
