Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling
Published on: October 11, 2018
Sleep in depression and sleep deprivation: a brief conceptual review
E Holsboer-Trachsler1, E Seifritz
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Basel, Switzerland. edith.holsboer@pukbasel.ch
Abstract:
Risk factors for somnipathies are psychological stress or psychiatric illness. More severe sleep difficulties have been found to be clearly related to psychiatric illness such as depression and phobias, as well as to addiction. Somnipathies can objectively be identified by means of polygraphy. Overall, polysomnographic measures in patients with affective disorders differ most frequently and significantly from those in normal control subjects. Persistent sleep disturbances are associated with significant risk of both relapse and recurrence in mood disorders and an increased risk of suicide. In addition to changes in sleep architecture, patients with major depression show profoundly altered patterns of nocturnal hormone secretion, possibly through mechanisms that link regulation of sleep with neuroendocrine activity. Basic and clinical approaches of sleep research established neurobiological models into the underlying pathophysiology associated with psychiatric disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Depression: Overview
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...

