BDNF Dynamics in Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Function

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a pivotal regulator of neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, with its dynamic expression closely tied to sleep regulation and cognitive performance. During healthy sleep, BDNF levels follow diurnal oscillations that facilitate memory consolidation and synaptic strengthening. Disruption of sleep architecture—whether through insomnia, sleep deprivation or fragmented nocturnal awakenings—leads to altered BDNF synthesis and processing, shifting the balance between its precursor form (pro-BDNF) and the mature neurotrophin. Such imbalances compromise synaptic efficacy and diminish hippocampal-dependent learning. Genetic and epigenetic modifications of the BDNF gene further modulate individual vulnerability to sleep disturbances, influencing both the severity of sleep impairment and the trajectory of cognitive decline. Across the lifespan, reduced BDNF availability has been linked to age-related memory deficits, while interventions that restore sleep quality or enhance BDNF signalling show promise in mitigating cognitive deterioration. Understanding the interplay between sleep, BDNF dynamics and neural plasticity is therefore of global significance, offering avenues for novel therapeutic strategies in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.

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Technical terms

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A protein promoting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity and learning, abundantly expressed in the hippocampus and cortex.

pro-BDNF: The precursor form of BDNF that can induce synaptic weakening and apoptosis when not cleaved into the mature neurotrophin.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP): A common genetic variation at a single base pair in DNA that may influence gene function or expression.

DNA Methylation: An epigenetic modification involving the addition of methyl groups to cytosine residues, often leading to transcriptional repression.

Polysomnography: A multi-parameter sleep study recording brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate and respiratory effort to assess sleep architecture and continuity.

References

1. Insomnia Impairs Both the Pro-BDNF and the BDNF Levels Similarly to Older Adults with Cognitive Decline: An Exploratory Study. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
2. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) variants and promoter I methylation are associated with prolonged nocturnal awakenings in older adults. Journal of Sleep Research (2023).
3. Interactions between neurotrophins, mood, and physical activity under the conditions of sleep deprivation. Translational Psychiatry (2024).