Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep: an endophenotype for depression
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: April 26, 2024
Sieglinde Modell1, Christoph J Lauer
1Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Company KGaA, Sapporobogen 6-8, 80637, München, Germany. sieglinde.modell@bms.com
Abstract:
Disturbed sleep is one of the hallmark signs of depression. After successful treatment, many of these signs disappear; however, changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may persist and even predict recurrence of depression. High-risk studies have established these alterations to be not only biological scars but true endophenotypes for depression. REM sleep changes are mediated by the noradrenergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems and are under strong genetic control. REM sleep has a crucial role for brain maturation and is inhibited during ontogeny. Lack of this inhibition may predispose an individual to depression. Findings regarding the CREB gene support REM sleep's role in depression. The combination of psychopathology and neurobiological measures, such as REM sleep parameters, will help to improve genetic studies and therefore increase the knowledge of relevant pathways for depression. This could facilitate development of preventive and therapeutic measures.
Related Concept Videos
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Stages of Sleep
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Narcolepsy
Depression: Overview
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents