Investigating the Role of BDNF in Insomnia: Current Insights

Abstract

Insomnia is a common disorder defined as frequent and persistent difficulty initiating, maintaining, or going back to sleep. A hallmark symptom of this condition is a sense of nonrestorative sleep. It is frequently associated with other psychiatric disorders, such as depression, as well as somatic ones, including immunomediated diseases. BDNF is a neurotrophin primarily responsible for synaptic plasticity and proper functioning of neurons. Due to its role in the central nervous system, it might be connected to insomnia of multiple levels, from predisposing traits (neuroticism, genetic/epigenetic factors, etc.) through its influence on different modes of neurotransmission (histaminergic and GABAergic in particular), maintenance of circadian rhythm, and sleep architecture, and changes occurring in the course of mood disturbances, substance abuse, or dementia. Extensive and interdisciplinary evaluation of the role of BDNF could aid in charting new areas for research and further elucidate the molecular background of sleep disorder. In this review, we summarize knowledge on the role of BDNF in insomnia with a focus on currently relevant studies and discuss their implications for future projects.

Sleep, Glial Function, and the Endocannabinoid System: Implications for Neuroinflammation and Sleep Disorders

“…Furthermore, astrocytes are involved in the release of gliotransmitters, which modulate synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of these gliotransmitter signals can impact the functioning of neural circuits involved in sleep regulation, adding another layer to the potential pathophysiology of insomnia [ 94 , 95 ].…”

“…Activated microglia release proinflammatory cytokines and other signaling molecules, creating an inflammatory environment. This neuroinflammatory response can contribute to the hyperarousal state observed in insomnia, disrupting the normal sleep–wake cycle [ 94 ].…”

“…BDNF is involved in the processes of LTP and LTD, which are forms of synaptic plasticity associated with learning and memory. During sleep, BDNF levels have been shown to increase, supporting the consolidation of memories acquired during wakefulness [ 94 , 153 , 161 , 162 , 163 ].…”