The impact of sleep and its disorders on the functioning of the body - a review of the literature

Sleep is a physiological process essential for maintaining both physical and mental health, it plays a significant role in various bodily functions. Throughout life, changes in sleep duration and quality can impact overall well-being. This literature review explores the complex relationship between sleep disorders and conditions such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Research indicates that sleep disorders, including sleep deprivation and interrupted sleep, can influence the development and progression of these diseases. In Alzheimer's disease, poor sleep quality contributes to the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, which impair cognitive functions. Inadequate sleep also negatively affects the onset of type 2 diabetes by disrupting glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Additionally, both insufficient and excessive sleep have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health, highlighting the importance of sleep in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Purpose: This review emphasizes the multidimensional impact of sleep on health, highlighting the necessity for effective treatment of sleep disorders as a preventive measure against various diseases. Methods: After a thorough analysis of articles on PubMed, we have selected the most significant diseases whose development and progression are influenced by sleep disorders. We provided a brief overview of the mechanisms underlying sleep and then carefully described the relationships between sleep and the selected diseases. Our aim is to emphasize the significant impact that sleep has on the overall functioning of the body. Conclusion: Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing the development of many diseases. Sleep disorders can impair immune system function, increasing the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases. Sleep deprivation also contributes to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, by disrupting blood pressure regulation and inflammatory processes. Lack of sleep negatively affects metabolism, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Additionally, chronic sleep disorders are linked to deteriorating mental health, including the development of depression, anxiety, and dementia.