Sleep, Plasticity and the Pathophysiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Potential Roles of Protein Synthesis and Other Cellular Processes

Abstract

Sleep is important for neural plasticity, and plasticity underlies sleep-dependent memory consolidation. It is widely appreciated that protein synthesis plays an essential role in neural plasticity. Studies of sleep-dependent memory and sleep-dependent plasticity have begun to examine alterations in these functions in populations with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Such an approach acknowledges that disordered sleep may have functional consequences during wakefulness. Although neurodevelopmental disorders are not considered to be sleep disorders per se, recent data has revealed that sleep abnormalities are among the most prevalent and common symptoms and may contribute to the progression of these disorders. The main goal of this review is to highlight the role of disordered sleep in the pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders and to examine some potential mechanisms by which sleep-dependent plasticity may be altered. We will also briefly attempt to extend the same logic to the other end of the developmental spectrum and describe a potential role of disordered sleep in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. We conclude by discussing ongoing studies that might provide a more integrative approach to the study of sleep, plasticity, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Sleep apnoea and the brain: a complex relationship

“…This argument is concordant with findings showing that the neurochemical and gene environments of sleep and sleep activity patterns present crucial window periods during which the brain can restore cellular homeostasis, increase signal to noise ratio, and reinforce neuronal circuitry for subsequent cognitive processing demands 18,56,57 . oxidative stress and misfolding of cellular proteins 57,58 . 1,27 .…”

Motor Control in Chronically Sleep-Restricted Rats: A Behavioral Approach

“…First, the rats were tested at a fixed-speed rotarod procedure and then on the accelerating rotarod procedure for 2 days. During the testing period, animals were tested at 8 different speeds, including 12,16,19,21,24,26,28, and 38 rpm, for the maximum of 60 s at each speed. Rats experienced the test three times at each speed with an interval of 20 min between each test.…”

“…In addition, neurobehavioral issues such as hyperactivity, emotional swing, aggression, and impaired socialization have been frequently observed in sleep-disrupted children [15]. Disrupted sleep is a thus a common attribute in many patients with neurodevelopmental disorders [16]. Sleep disturbance impairs various molecular signaling centers and cellular pathways, hippocampal function, spatial memory and hence potentially leads to cognitive deficits [17].…”

The Relationship between Socio-Demographics and Stress Levels, Stressors, and Coping Mechanisms among Undergraduate Students at a University in Barbados

“…(Van Reeth, Weibel, Spiegel, Leproult, Dugovic, & Maccari, 2000, p. 214-215) Consequences of chronic sleep disturbances relate to the development and maintenance of psychopathologies and neuro-developmental disorders (Picchioni, Reith, Nadel, & Smith, 2014). Although anxiety has been widely associated with poor sleep patterns, Sadeh and Gruber (2002) attempted to examine if individuals sleep more as a coping mechanism but found no significant results to support this hypothesis.…”

“…Although anxiety has been widely associated with poor sleep patterns, Sadeh and Gruber (2002) attempted to examine if individuals sleep more as a coping mechanism but found no significant results to support this hypothesis. Alternatively, a better sleep cycle can positively affect overall health since it can provide restorative functions to the mind and body (see Picchioni et al, 2014) and facilitate a more positive mood and outlook (Sonnentag et al, 2008).…”