Negative impact of insufficient sleep on the brain

Background Adequate sleep is crucial for physical and mental health. With the rapid development of the society, all aspects have been replaced by labor hours or exchanged with man’s resting hours. Long-term insufficient sleep is positively related to the prevalence of chronic and acute disease, such as reduced cognitive ability and increased negative emotions, such as anxiety.Methods Herein, we reviewed the mechanisms involving broken telomeres due to chaotic circadian rhythm, altered neuronal activity, nucleus dysfunction, and induced whole brain’s response speed.Results Insufficient sleep exerts significant negative effects on both physiological and psychological health. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm initiate a cascade of molecular and behavioral changes, including impaired cellular function, increased cell apoptosis, and reduced neuronal excitability. These disruptions adversely affect the activity and functional connectivity of various brain regions, leading to delayed responses, cognitive decline, and heightened emotional instability. The cumulative evidence highlights the crucial role of sleep in maintaining both physical health and mental well-being.Conclusion Given the widespread and multifaceted impact of sleep deprivation, it is imperative to prioritize sleep health in public health initiatives. Effective interventions should aim not only at improving individual sleep habits but also at addressing systemic factors that contribute to sleep disruption, thereby mitigating the long-term health risks associated with chronic sleep deficiency.