Sleep Disorders in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Pathological Correlations and Underlying Mechanisms
Zihui Wang1,2, Feifei He3, Lingzhi Li1
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
Neuroscience Bulletin
|March 23, 2026
Summary
Sleep disturbances worsen neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Addressing these sleep issues may slow disease progression and improve symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Gerontology
Background:
- Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) pose a growing public health challenge, particularly in aging populations.
- NDDs are characterized by neuronal loss and protein aggregation, leading to diverse clinical symptoms.
- Sleep-wake disorders are common, debilitating non-motor symptoms across various NDDs, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the bidirectional relationship between sleep disruption and neurodegeneration.
- To synthesize current knowledge on sleep phenotypes and underlying mechanisms in major NDDs.
- To summarize therapeutic interventions for sleep disorders in NDDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing evidence on sleep disturbances in NDDs.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking sleep disruption to neurodegenerative processes.
- Summary of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Sleep disruption is not merely a consequence but also a driver of neurodegeneration.
- Key mechanisms include impaired protein homeostasis, glymphatic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and circadian dysregulation.
- Sleep phenotypes vary across NDDs but are universally impactful.
Conclusions:
- Sleep disorders significantly impact the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Targeting sleep disturbances offers potential for both symptomatic relief and disease modification in NDDs.
- Further research into sleep-neurodegeneration interplay is crucial for developing effective therapies.
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