Sleep-wake cycle, sleep-related disturbances, and sleep disorders: a chronobiological approach

There is convincing evidence that the functions of sleep include restoration of brain energy storage and memory consolidation. The circadian timing system (CTS) is involved in the daily variation of almost any physiological and psychological variable evaluated thus far. Disturbances of the CTS can be clinically observed by their influence on the sleep-wake cycle, hormones, body temperature, and locomotor activity. This article reviews the basic mechanisms of circadian rhythm sleep disturbances, names the applicable diagnostic tools and specific therapeutic strategies, and thereby hints at the impact of circadian rhythm sleep disturbance on psychiatric disorders, especially disorders of affect and cognition. In light of the preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic tools now available, a new round of chronobiological studies in psychiatry seems justified, promising, and necessary.