Role of sleep in the regulation of the immune system and the pituitary hormones

Abstract

Sleep is characterized by a reduced response to external stimuli and a particular form of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. Sleep is divided into two stages: REM sleep, characterized by muscle atonia, rapid eye movements, and EEG activity similar to wakefulness, and non-REM sleep, characterized by slow EEG activity. Around 80% of total sleep time is non-REM. Although it has been intensely studied for decades, the function (or functions) of sleep remains elusive. Sleep is a highly regulated state; some brain regions and several hormones and cytokines participate in sleep regulation. This mini-review focuses on how pituitary hormones and cytokines regulate or affect sleep and how sleep modifies the plasma concentration of hormones as well as cytokines. Also, we review the effects of hypophysectomy and some autoimmune diseases on sleep pattern. Finally, we propose that one of the functions of sleep is to maintain the integrity of the neuro-immune-endocrine system.

The impact of sleep on age-related sarcopenia: Possible connections and clinical implications

“…Sleep involves the control of many physiological functions in diverse systems (Gomez-Gonzalez et al, 2012). In addition to its relevant role in the development and function of the central nervous system, growing evidence highlights sleep as a mediator of the body's metabolism, mainly through neuroendocrine interactions (Rial et al, 2007).…”

Sleep in the Intensive Care Unit

“…Investigators are evaluating the effects of peptides, hormones, and cytokines on sleep regulation, including the consequences of sleep deprivation on circulating levels of these neurochemical modulators (27). A number of cytokines have been hypothesized to influence sleep regulation, including sleep promotion and inhibition (28,29) (Table 2).…”

Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society on the Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: Methodology and Discussion

“…20,21 Sleep is also critically involved in systemic physiology, including metabolism, [22][23][24][25][26] appetite regulation, 27,28 immune and hormone function, [29][30][31][32][33] and cardiovascular systems. [34][35][36][37] Sleep duration is associated with mortality risk [38][39][40] and with illnesses ranging from cardiovascular 41 and cerebrovascular 42 disease to obesity, 43 diabetes, 44 cancer, 45,46 and depression.…”