Gene polymorphisms (rs324957, rs324981) in NPSR1 are associated with increased risk of primary insomnia: A cross-sectional study

Potential genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in insomnia: A systematic review

Insomnia is a stress-related sleep disorder conceptualised within a diathesis-stress framework, which it is thought to result from predisposing factors interacting with precipitating stressful events that trigger the development of insomnia. Among predisposing factors genetics and epigenetics may play a role. A systematic review of the current evidence for the genetic and epigenetic basis of insomnia was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) system. A total of 24 studies were collected for twins and family heritability, 55 for genome-wide association studies, 26 about candidate genes for insomnia, and eight for epigenetics. Data showed that insomnia is a complex polygenic stress-related disorder, and it is likely to be caused by a synergy of genetic and environmental factors, with stress-related sleep reactivity being the important trait. Even if few studies have been conducted to date on insomnia, epigenetics may be the framework to understand long-lasting consequences of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors and effects of stress on the brain in insomnia. Interestingly, polygenic risk for insomnia has been causally linked to different mental and medical disorders. Probably, by treating insomnia it would be possible to intervene on the effect of stress on the brain and prevent some medical and mental conditions.

Clinical Spectrum and Trajectory of Innovative Therapeutic Interventions for Insomnia: A Perspective

Increasing incidences of insomnia in adults, as well as the aging population, have been reported for their negative impact on the quality of life. Insomnia episodes may be associated with neurocognitive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, and metabolic disorders. Epidemiological evidence also revealed the association of insomnia with oncologic and asthmatic complications, which has been indicated as bidirectional. Two therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and drugs-based therapies are being practiced for a long time. However, the adverse events associated with drugs limit their wide and long-term application. Further, Traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure, and pulsed magnetic field therapy may also provide therapeutic relief. Notably, the recently introduced cryotherapy has been demonstrated as a potential candidate for insomnia which could reduce pain, by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. It seems that the synergistic therapeutic approach of cryotherapy and the above-mentioned approaches might offer promising prospects to further improve efficacy and safety. Considering these facts, this perspective presents a comprehensive summary of recent advances in pathological aetiologies of insomnia including COVID-19, and its therapeutic management with a greater emphasis on cryotherapy.

Roles of Neuropeptide S in Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Sleep

Neuropeptide S (NPS) is an endogenous peptide that regulates various physiological functions, such as immune functions, anxiety-like behaviors, learning and memory, the sleep–wake rhythm, ingestion, energy balance, and drug addiction. These processes include the NPS receptor (NPSR1). The NPS–NPSR1 system is also significantly associated with the onset of disease, as well as these physiologic functions. For example, NPS is involved in bronchial asthma, anxiety and awakening disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this review, among the various functions, we focus on the role of NPS in anesthesia-induced loss of consciousness; analgesia, mainly by anesthesia; and sleep–wakefulness. Progress in the field regarding the functions of endogenous peptides in the brain, including NPS, suggests that these three domains share common mechanisms. Further NPS research will help to elucidate in detail how these three domains interact with each other in their functions, and may contribute to improving the quality of medical care.