Deep Brain Stimulation for Sleep-Wake Regulation: A Narrative Review

Sleep-wake (SW) disorders are common in numerous neurological and psychiatric conditions, yet current treatments often yield incomplete results. Given the subcortical nature of sleep regulation, intracranial stimulation, and particularly deep brain stimulation (DBS), emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy. This narrative review synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the effects of DBS and DBS-like invasive stimulation across multiple brain regions implicated in SW control. Additionally, stimulation targeting non-SW-related targets has also shown incidental effects on sleep and wakefulness.

Evidence reveals target- and frequency-dependent effects on sleep architecture and arousal, with notable translational success in Parkinson's disease and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The discussion addresses three central questions: (1) Which brain areas modulate sleep and wakefulness when stimulated? (2) How do stimulation parameters influence these outcomes? (3) What are the challenges and limitations in moving toward SW-primary indications? Despite encouraging results, variability in reported measures and outcomes underscores the need for objective, standardized sleep measures (polysomnography) and advanced targeting.

Overall, this review may assist clinicians in optimizing DBS parameters in patients experiencing SW disturbances and underscores the broader potential of invasive neuromodulation both as a therapeutic strategy and as a tool to better characterize sleep and wakefulness dynamics.