Sleep, glymphatic system, and Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Sleep is involved in regulating many aspects of the body, including cell function, physical activity, and disease. Neurodegenerative diseases are often preceded by sleep disturbance. This disturbance is not just a non-motor symptom but also an important risk factor for developing the disease. It is now understood that the glymphatic system plays important physiological functions in the human body: maintaining the balance of interstitial fluid and clearing waste products from metabolism or death in the brain. Glymphatic system dysfunction contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, sleep is involved in regulating the glymphatic system, which affects the clearance of pathological proteins in the brain, and may be an important pathway affecting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review recent advances in sleep disturbances and the glymphatic system in health and Parkinson's disease, hoping to identify potentially targetable avenues for future research and treatment of Parkinson's disease.