Ricerc@Sapienza

Prospective epidemiological studies suggest that sleep disturbance (ie, difficulties in sleep onset and sleep maintenance) is a robust predictor of major depression episodes and depression recurrence. In parallel, experimental endotoxin model support a role of innate immune activation (inflammation) in the aetiology of depression, yet the precise role played by sleep disturbance is poorly understood. Sleep disturbance may increase peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines by upregulating NF-kB pathways, modulating gut-microbiota, autonomic and neuroendocrine (eg, HPA) activity. Moreover, sleep disturbance may influence health behaviour commonly associated with increased inflammation, such as poor diet and low physical activity. This group aims to better define sleep-immune paths associated with depressive symptoms using longitudinal, experimental, and ecological momentary assessment studies.