Epigenetics of sleep disruption

Abstract

Sleep plays an important role in maintaining brain function, memory consolidation, hormonal balance, immune system function, growth, and repair. The physiological and psychological effects of disruptions in sleep highlight its importance in human health and wellness. Epigenetic roles are proposed in sleep, and circadian regulation, but only a limited number of studies have determined the mechanism that underlies the epigenetics of environmental factors interacting with the sleep, particularly the ones related to sleep disruption. Therefore, studying epigenetics of sleep and sleep disorders can help elucidate the way these factors promote or inhibit sleep disorders, potentially guiding the development of precision medicines or preventive strategies. However, before discovering useful epigenetic-based interventions for sleep disorders, we need to overcome many challenges. As a relatively new field, there are unmet needs that call for further investigation of epigenetic mechanisms underlying sleep disruption. This review focuses on the current status of epigenetic mechanisms in sleep disruption (e.g., sleep deprivation and circadian dysregulation), which highlights a great potential of both animal and human studies to explain the disturbances in sleep, associated consequences, and novel therapeutic potentials. Translating the epigenetic research in sleep disturbances can eventually lead to better diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and therapy in the clinics.