Systemic effects of insomnia

Impact on cardiovascular, metabolic, immune and neurocognitive health

Bibliographic Data

ID22129654
AuthorsKatarzyna Dudzińska (0009-0006-1102-2274, Akademia Sztuk Pięknych w Gdańsku, corresponding author), Adam Kaftan (0009-0003-6872-2843, Akademia Sztuk Pięknych w Gdańsku), Jan Plenikowski (0000-0002-9724-3425, National Veterinary Research Institute), Aleksander Kahsin (0000-0003-2802-4963, National Veterinary Research Institute), Sandra Kacprzak (0009-0006-0363-4094, St Vincent Hospital), Aleksandra Greluk (0009-0004-5158-1930, Medical University of Lublin), Jonasz Żuk (0009-0001-7500-7982, Central Clinical Hospital), Wojciech Ciszewski (0000-0002-8266-4657, National Veterinary Research Institute), Alicja Jurewicz (0009-0002-4834-1499, Ministry of the Interior), Zofia Plenikowska (0009-0000-7190-1947, Gdańsk Medical University)
Year2026
Volume14
Issue1
Pages184-190
Publication date2026-06-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHumanities & Social Sciences Reviews (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2395-6518 • E-ISSN: 2395-6518
PublisherMaya Global Education Society (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.18510/hssr.2026.14122
OpenAlexW7165691552
LanguageEN
References cited57

Research objective: Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized not only by nocturnal difficulties but also by significant daytime impairments and systemic physiological alterations. The aim of this work was to synthesize current evidence on the multiorgan pathophysiology of chronic insomnia, emphasizing the approach of treating insomnia as an independent, systemic disorder rather than a mere symptom of other conditions. Methodology: A narrative review of the literature was conducted to synthesize current evidence on the multiorgan pathophysiology of chronic insomnia. Main conclusions: Chronic insomnia profoundly impacts the central nervous system, leading to measurable cognitive impairment and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative decline. Cardiovascular consequences include increased sympathetic activity, endothelial dysfunction, and a higher risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease. Metabolically, it contributes to insulin resistance, altered appetite hormones, and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Furthermore, sleep deprivation compromises immune homeostasis, alters gut microbiota, increasing the risk of functional gastrointestinal disorders, disrupts reproductive hormones, and exacerbates dermatological inflammation. Insomnia is therefore a complex, systemic health condition with far-reaching multiorgan consequences. Application of the study: The findings underscore the critical need for early diagnosis and targeted interventions in patients with chronic insomnia, supporting clinicians in recognizing and managing its multiorgan consequences to prevent long-term morbidity. Originality/Novelty of the study: This review reframes insomnia as an independent, systemic disorder rather than a secondary symptom, integrating evidence across neurocognitive, cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and dermatological domains to provide a comprehensive picture of its multiorgan impact

Immune dysregulation · Immune system · Insomnia · Neurocognitive · Pathophysiology · Psychological intervention · Sleep deprivation · Systemic inflammation · Circadian rhythm and melatonin · Sleep and related disorders · Sleep and Wakefulness Research

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