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Review
. 2023 Jul 3:15:1193483.
doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1193483. eCollection 2023.

Hypothalamus and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: potential implications in sleep disorders

Valentina Gnoni  1   2 , Stefano Zoccolella  1   3 , Alessia Giugno  1 , Daniele Urso  1   2 , Ludovica Tamburrino  1   4 , Marco Filardi  1   4 , Giancarlo Logroscino  1   4
Affiliations
Review

Hypothalamus and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: potential implications in sleep disorders

Valentina Gnoni et al. Front Aging Neurosci. .

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects both motor and non-motor functions, including sleep regulation. Emerging evidence suggests that the hypothalamus, a brain region that plays a critical role in sleep-wake regulation, may be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS-related sleep disturbances. In this review, we have summarized results of studies on sleep disorders in ALS published between 2000 and 2023. Thereafter, we examined possible mechanisms by which hypothalamic dysfunctions may contribute to ALS-related sleep disturbances. Achieving a deeper understanding of the relationship between hypothalamic dysfunction and sleep disturbances in ALS can help improve the overall management of ALS and reduce the burden on patients and their families.

Keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; circadian rhythm; hypothalamus; neurodegeneration; sleep disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Main hypothalamus nuclei involved in ALS.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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