Figure 2. Associated Pathways with the Sleep-wake Cycle.

Notes: An inflammatory response signal is generated due to a disturbed sleep cycle for a varied time period. This follows into two pathways; first, gene expression activity increases, resulting in TNF – α and IL response. NREM sleep patterns are altered due to this response. Second, pro-inflammatory cytokine induced inflammatory response in glial cells alongside neuron damage in CNS, contributing in diseases.

Abbreviations: TNF-α, tumour necrosis factor-alpha(α); IL, interleukin; NREM, non-rapid eye movement; SWS, slow wave sleep; CNS, central nervous system.