Sleep Disorders Don’t Just Exhaust You. New Research Shows They Change Your Brain

A meta-analysis of 57 brain imaging studies links sleep disorders to structural differences in regions tied to attention, decision-making and emotional control.

Dyssomnias and parasomnias shared some brain changes, especially in the thalamus and pulvinar, while parasomnias also showed distinct effects in the posterior cingulate cortex.

The findings suggest sleep disorders may disrupt brain systems important for everyday functioning.

The study could support earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment approaches.