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Specific genes and pathways are responsible for sleep and the functional outcomes of sleep Greene examines how these genes overlap with those linked to autism spectrum disorder, identifying a genetic mechanism that may connect sleep to psychiatric illness.

The causal relationships between sleep and mental health are unclear. Kozhemiako et al. summarize human genetic studies linking the two, acknowledging challenges such as small effects and biased cohorts, and proposing future directions for advancement.

Sleep is important for brain maturation and mental health in adolescents. Tarokh and Guiterrez Herrera review the genetic, environmental, and neurophysiological mechanisms linking poor sleep to mental disorders, advocating for sleep as a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target.

Sleep alterations are both a symptom of and a risk factor for depression. Rosenblum et al. review the role of sleep alterations in the pathophysiology of depression and implications for existing and novel sleep-based therapeutic interventions.

Circadian disruptions are linked to mood episodes. Geoffroy and Maruani introduce the concept of the "Chronos syndrome", which predicts onset, progression, relapse, and treatment response of mood disorders in response to disturbances in biological rhythms.

Insomnia triggers inflammation and disrupts affective mechanisms, worsening depressive symptoms and risk. Irwin reviews this two-hit model, highlighting the potential for behavioral interventions to refine treatment and prevention strategies.

Sleep disturbances are common in schizophrenia, but aren’t considered in diagnostic criteria. Castelnovo et al. review disruptions in sleep spindles, brain waves essential for sleep stability and memory, often seen in individuals with schizophrenia.