Acute sleep deprivation disrupts the tryptophan-serotonin-melatonin axis, with effects differing by mood response, and these changes may influence cognitive outcomes after sleep loss.
In 80 healthy adults, a single night of sleep deprivation significantly decreased tryptophan and melatonin levels overall. Non-responders (based on mood change) showed increased serotonin and decreased melatonin, while responders showed different patterns; changes in serotonin and melatonin correlated with cognitive test performance.
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Acute sleep deprivation disrupts the tryptophan-serotonin-melatonin axis, with effects differing by mood response, and these changes may influence cognitive outcomes after sleep loss. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
Acute sleep deprivation disrupts the tryptophan-serotonin-melatonin axis, with effects differing by mood response, and these changes may influence cognitive outcomes after sleep loss.
This conclusion is most relevant to: 80 healthy adults.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Tryptophan-Serotonin-Melatonin Pathway as a Contributor to Changes in Mood and Cognitive Functions Induced by Sleep Deprivation. (International journal of molecular sciences, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Sleep deprivation reduces tryptophan and melatonin levels overall
- ▸In non-responders, serotonin increases while melatonin decreases
- ▸Changes in serotonin and melatonin correlate with cognitive test performance
- ▸Disruption of the tryptophan-serotonin-melatonin axis contributes to mood and cognitive changes after sleep loss
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸80 healthy adults
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Only a single night of sleep deprivation was studied, limiting generalizability to chronic sleep loss
- ▸The study does not establish causality between the biochemical changes and cognitive/mood outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tryptophan-serotonin-melatonin pathway?▼
It is a metabolic pathway where tryptophan is converted into serotonin, which is then converted into melatonin; this pathway is involved in regulating mood, sleep, and cognitive function.
How does sleep deprivation affect serotonin levels?▼
In the study, overall serotonin levels did not change significantly, but in non-responders (those with worse mood changes), serotonin increased while melatonin decreased.
What cognitive tests were used in this study?▼
The study used the BEHCT (Behavioral and Emotional Health Cognitive Test), TMT (Trail Making Test), and Stroop test to assess cognitive performance.
Who were considered responders vs non-responders?▼
Participants were classified as responders or non-responders based on the degree of mood change after sleep deprivation, though the exact cutoff is not specified in the abstract.
References
- 1.Sochal M, Wojtera A, Ditmer M, Gabryelska A, Tarasiuk-Zawadzka A, Turkiewicz S, Karuga FF, Fichna J, Białasiewicz P. “Tryptophan-Serotonin-Melatonin Pathway as a Contributor to Changes in Mood and Cognitive Functions Induced by Sleep Deprivation..” International journal of molecular sciences, 2026. PMID: 42352934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms27125209