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The Function of Microglia in Cognitive Impairment Influenced by Sleep Deprivation

Jiping Jiang1, Min Li1, Yulong Xia1

  • 1Geriatric Department, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
|January 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function by affecting microglia, the brain's immune cells. Understanding these pathways is key to developing treatments for sleep-loss-related cognitive deficits.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • Sleep deprivation is a significant factor in cognitive decline.
  • Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are implicated in sleep deprivation-induced cognitive impairment.
  • The precise mechanisms linking microglia, sleep loss, and cognitive deficits require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize the last two decades of research on microglia, sleep deprivation, and cognitive impairment.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the pathways involved and pathological interactions.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglial function.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of studies published over the past 20 years.
  • Analysis of evidence on the interplay between microglia, sleep deprivation, and cognitive function.
  • Synthesis of data on associated factors, operational pathways, and pathological networks.

Main Results:

  • Sleep deprivation affects microglia through multiple pathways, including neurotransmitter accumulation, amyloid-beta deposition, neuroinflammation, autophagy disruption, abnormal cell death, and impaired synaptic plasticity.
  • Microglia exhibit dual roles, potentially worsening and alleviating cognitive impairment.
  • Evidence suggests specific microglial pathways are central to sleep-loss-related cognitive deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Microglial dysfunction is a critical mediator of cognitive decline associated with sleep deprivation.
  • Targeting microglial pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue for mitigating sleep-loss-related cognitive deficits.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand and leverage microglial functions for cognitive health.
Keywords:
Cognitive impairmentFunctionMicrogliaSleep deprivation

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