Neurologist warned about the effect of sleep disorders on depression

Sleep disorders can be a factor that provokes depression, Sergo Tsenteradze, a neurologist and somnologist at the Department of Sleep Medicine at UCB No. 3 of the Sechenov University Clinical Center, told Izvestia. World Sleep Day is celebrated on March 14th.

"We, somnologists, more closely monitor patients who have both depression and sleep disorders — sleep disorders can be a factor that not only exacerbates depression, but also, in principle, provokes it," the expert explained.

At the same time, the doctor clarified that studies conducted over 50 years have shown that patients with depressive disorders felt a temporary improvement after sleep deprivation. However, in the future, scientists have found that such an improvement is not found in all patients. Moreover, in some patients, sleep deprivation could even worsen the course of depression.

The neurologist emphasized that sleep is necessary for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

"Even one sleepless night leads to an accelerated accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain, a protein that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. During sleep, the activity of the so-called glymphatic system increases, which cleanses the brain, including beta-amyloid. There is also a consolidation of memory — the consolidation of the information received," said Tsenteradze.

In addition, he drew attention to the evidence of a genetic predisposition to sleep disorders. According to him, in particular, insomnia is often inherited.

"The genetic basis of circadian rhythms has also been sufficiently studied. Being an "owl" or a "lark" is not a matter of habit, but of genetic variation. Owls have a slightly longer circadian cycle than 24 hours, while larks have a shorter one, so larks wake up early in the morning more easily, while owls would prefer to go to bed later. It is important to separate the chronotype and the conscious postponement of falling asleep. Often, someone who considers himself an "owl" is actually just distracted in the evening by temptations like TV shows and games, and does not go to bed on time," the somnologist added.

Earlier, on November 24, 2024, senior lecturer at the Department of Fundamental Medical Disciplines of the State University of Enlightenment, pathophysiologist Sergey Stepanov told Izvestia that obesity or hypertension can lead to sleep apnea - temporary cessation of breathing. Apnea is not the norm, and it needs to be dealt with, he stressed.