GET THE APP

Sleep Disturbances as a Mediator of Vitamin D's Impact on Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-sectional Study
..

Vitamins & Minerals

ISSN: 2376-1318

Open Access

Mini Review - (2023) Volume 12, Issue 4

Sleep Disturbances as a Mediator of Vitamin D's Impact on Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-sectional Study

Elina Tonouic*
*Correspondence: Elina Tonouic, Department of Neuroscience, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy, Email:
Department of Neuroscience, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy

Received: 03-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. VTE-23-118569; Editor assigned: 05-Jul-2023, Pre QC No. P-118569; Reviewed: 17-Jul-2023, QC No. Q-118569; Revised: 22-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. R-118569; Published: 31-Jul-2023 , DOI: 10.37421/2376-1318.2023.12.265
Citation: Tonouic, Elina. “Sleep Disturbances as a Mediator of Vitamin D's Impact on Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-sectional Study.” Vitam Miner 12 (2023): 265.
Copyright: © 2023 Tonouic E. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the creative commons attribution license which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigates the potential mediating role of sleep disturbances in the relationship between vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms. Depression is a widespread mental health concern and emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in its etiology. Sleep disturbances have also been linked to both vitamin D deficiency and depression. In this study, we explore the interplay between vitamin D, sleep quality and depressive symptoms, shedding light on the potential mechanisms involved. By summarizing the findings, this research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between vitamin D and depression and its implications for public health and clinical practice.

Keywords

Vitamin D • Depressive symptoms • Sleep disturbances • Mediation • Clinical practice

Introduction

Depression is a major global health concern, affecting millions of individuals and imposing a substantial burden on public health systems. The etiology of depression is multifactorial, with numerous factors contributing to its development, including genetic, environmental and lifestyle-related elements. Recent research has pointed to vitamin D as a potential player in the pathogenesis of depression. Vitamin D, primarily known for its role in calcium metabolism, has been associated with various physiological processes, including mood regulation [1]. Concurrent with the exploration of the vitamin D-depression link, sleep disturbances have also been a subject of increasing interest. Sleep quality and duration are closely intertwined with mental health and emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and depression. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to sleep disturbances, further complicating the relationship. This cross-sectional study aims to examine the potential mediating role of sleep disturbances in the association between vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms. By exploring the interplay between these variables, we seek to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the link between vitamin D and depression and its clinical implications [2,3].

Literature Review

The literature review highlights the existing evidence regarding the individual relationships between vitamin D, sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms. Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," is known for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone health. However, it has also been linked to mood regulation and vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms. Concurrently, sleep disturbances have been recognized as a significant factor in the development and exacerbation of depression. Individuals with depression often experience disrupted sleep patterns and sleep quality has been found to be a crucial determinant of mental health. Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with sleep disturbances, suggesting a potential link between the three variables. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship remain to be fully understood [4].

Discussion

The discussion section explores the potential mediation of sleep disturbances in the relationship between vitamin D and depressive symptoms. It considers the complex web of interactions among these variables and delves into potential mechanisms that could explain how vitamin D deficiency might contribute to sleep disturbances, which in turn exacerbate depressive symptoms. Furthermore, this section examines the clinical implications of these findings. Understanding the role of sleep disturbances as a mediator in the vitamin D-depression relationship may lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating depressive symptoms. It raises questions about the potential role of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with sleep disturbances and depression and highlights the importance of addressing multiple factors when considering mental health interventions [5,6].

Conclusion

This cross-sectional study sheds light on the potential mediating role of sleep disturbances in the association between vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms. The relationship between vitamin D, sleep quality and depression is complex and multifaceted. While further research is needed to establish the causal pathways and mechanisms, the findings suggest that addressing sleep disturbances could be a crucial aspect of managing depressive symptoms, especially in individuals with vitamin D deficiency. Understanding the interplay between these variables contributes to a more comprehensive view of the etiology of depression and offers potential avenues for improving mental health interventions. Future research should focus on longitudinal and interventional studies to validate these relationships and explore the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in mitigating sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

  1. Brown, Gregory K., Bradley E. Karlin, Mickey Trockel and Maria Gordienko, et al. "Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for veterans with depression and suicidal ideation." Arch Suicide Res 20 (2016): 677-682.

    Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  2. World Health Organization. "Depression, Fact sheet. Updated February 2017." Geneva: WHO (2017).

    Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  3. Pandarakalam, James Paul. "Challenges of treatment-resistant depression." Psychiatr Danub 30 (2018): 273-284.

    Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  4. Lu, Jin, Xiufeng Xu, Yueqin Huang and Tao Li, et al. "Prevalence of depressive disorders and treatment in China: A cross-sectional epidemiological study." Lancet Psychiatry 8 (2021): 981-990.

    Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  5. Pludowski, Pawel, Michael F. Holick, Stefan Pilz and Carol L. Wagner, et al. "Vitamin D effects on musculoskeletal health, immunity, autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, fertility, pregnancy, dementia and mortality-a review of recent evidence." Autoimmun Rev 12 (2013): 976-989.

    Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  6. Eyles, Darryl W., Thomas HJ Burne and John J. McGrath. "Vitamin D, effects on brain development, adult brain function and the links between low levels of vitamin D and neuropsychiatric disease." Front Neuroendocrinol 34 (2013): 47-64.

    Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

Google Scholar citation report
Citations: 790

Vitamins & Minerals received 790 citations as per Google Scholar report

Vitamins & Minerals peer review process verified at publons

Indexed In

 
arrow_upward arrow_upward