title: Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption in neuropsychiatric illness.
abstract: Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption (SCRD) is a common feature in many neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. Although the precise mechanisms remain unclear, recent evidence suggests that this comorbidity is not simply a product of medication or an absence of social routine, but instead reflects commonly affected underlying pathways and mechanisms. For example, several genes intimately involved in the generation and regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep have been linked to psychiatric illness. Further, several genes linked to mental illness have recently been shown to also play a role in normal sleep and circadian behaviour. Here we describe some of the emerging common mechanisms that link circadian rhythms, sleep and SCRD in severe mental illnesses. A deeper understanding of these links will provide not only a greater understanding of disease mechanisms, but also holds the promise of novel avenues for therapeutic intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology), University of Oxford, Level 5-6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom; F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Research & Early Development, DTA Neuroscience pRED Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel CH4070, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Aarti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jagannath
authors.forename: Stuart N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Peirson
authors.forename: Russell G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*