Title:A Review on Pathophysiological Aspects of Sleep Deprivation
Volume: 22
Issue: 8
Author(s): Shelly Agrawal, Vishal Kumar, Vishesh Singh, Charan Singh and Arti Singh*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga-142001, Punjab, India
Keywords:
Sleep, sleep deprivation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitters, insomnia.
Abstract: Sleep deprivation (SD) (also referred as insomnia) is a condition in which individuals fail to
get enough sleep due to excessive yawning, facing difficulty to learn new concepts, experiencing forgetfulness
as well as depressed mood. This could occur due to several possible reasons, including
medications and stress (caused by shift work). Despite the fact that sleep is important for normal physiology,
it currently affects millions of people around the world, especially the US (70 million) and Europe
(45 million). Due to increased work demand nowadays, lots of people are experiencing sleep deprivation
hence, this could be the reason for several car accidents followed by death and morbidity. This
review highlighted the impact of SD on neurotransmitter release and functions, theories (Flip-flop theory,
oxidative stress theory, neuroinflammation theory, neurotransmitter theory, and hormonal theory)
associated with SD pathogenesis; apart from this, it also demonstrates the molecular pathways underlying
SD (PI3K and Akt, NF-κB, Nrf2, and adenosine pathway. However, this study also elaborates on
the SD-induced changes in the level of neurotransmitters, hormonal, and mitochondrial functions.
Along with this, it also covers several molecular aspects associated with SD as well. Through this
study, a link is made between SD and associated causes, which will further help to develop a potential
therapeutic strategy against SD.