Does vestibular stimulation modify circadian rhythms and sleep? A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Chronobiology
• Sleep Science

Background:

• Circadian rhythms and sleep are vital for human health, with disruptions negatively impacting well-being.
• The vestibular system shares pathways with circadian and sleep regulatory centers, suggesting a potential link.
• Vestibular stimulation is explored as a non-pharmacological intervention for sleep and circadian disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate the effects of various vestibular stimulation techniques on human circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.
• To assess the efficacy of vestibular stimulation in mitigating disruptions to sleep and circadian processes.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines, registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024492913).
• Searches of PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for articles published between 1950 and 2023, updated to January 2024.
• Inclusion of twelve studies from ninety-six screened articles, with assessment of risk of bias.

Main Results:

• Vestibular stimulation demonstrated a significant beneficial effect on circadian rhythms.
• Eight out of eleven studies reported positive effects of vestibular stimulation on sleep quality and regulation.
• Risk of bias assessment indicated that seven studies had a low risk of bias, while five had moderate to high concerns.

Conclusions:

• Vestibular stimulation emerges as a potentially effective and promising non-invasive method for enhancing circadian rhythm regulation.
• The findings suggest that vestibular stimulation can positively influence sleep, warranting further investigation and clinical application.
• Further high-quality research is needed to solidify the therapeutic role of vestibular stimulation in sleep and circadian disorders.