Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science) ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (6): 795-800.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2026.06.012

• Review • Previous Articles    

Research progress in sleep manifestations related to major depressive disorder and its potential mechanisms

Zhu Mo1, Chen Jun2()   

  1. 1.Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
    2.Clinical Research Center/Department of Affective Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
  • Received:2025-05-09 Accepted:2026-04-28 Online:2026-06-28 Published:2026-06-29
  • Contact: Chen Jun E-mail:doctorcj2010@gmail.com
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(82471554);Shanghai Mental Health Center “QI-Hang Plan” Talent Program(2022-QH-05)

Abstract:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder. It features high prevalence and high disability rates globally, imposing a heavy disease burden on society and families. Sleep problems are highly prevalent among patients with MDD, which are not only one of the core symptoms of MDD, but are also closely related to its onset, persistence, and recurrence, severely impairing patients' social functioning and quality of life. This article systematically reviews the common sleep problems in patients with MDD and the associated neurobiological mechanisms, and summarizes current clinical intervention strategies and their underlying mechanisms, aiming to provide scientific theoretical support for the clinical intervention of MDD and its comorbid sleep problems.

Key words: major depressive disorder (MDD), sleep characteristics, neurobiological mechanism, inflammatory factor

CLC Number: