Progress in regulation of adenosine system on sleep

The growing evidence suggests that adenosine system can regulate sleep-wake through the cooperation between inhibition of promoting wake system and excitement of promoting sleep system. Changes in adenosine level and adenosine receptor activity by pharmacological and genetic methods can affect sleep time and structure. However, the studies on whether the changes exist in the adenosine system in the patients with chronic insomnia disorder remain rare. In order to arouse the close attention to the clinical sleep study of adenosine system, in this paper, we present an overview of the current research progress regarding adenosine in general knowledge (adenosine′s production, metabolism, peripheral distribution, circadian rhythm) , the regulation of sleep and its mechanism, and the differences in regulation of sleep for various adenosine receptors. In the end, we propose some research directions of adenosine system under chronic insomnia after pointing out the existing issues currently. Key words: Adenosine; Sleep; Sleep initiation and maintenance disorder