Even in ancient times, it was understood that rest and sleep are vital processes, as essential as breathing, eating, and other bodily functions. However, only in recent decades science has demonstrated that sleep is an active process involving neuronal network stabilization, restoration of brain and whole-body energy reserves, proper protein structure formation, promotion of macromolecule synthesis, processing and long-term retention of information, emotional regulation, reduction of oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, regulation of immune responses, and the clearance of toxic metabolites and protein degradation products. In cases of mental and sleep disorders, these processes are disrupted. The aim of this review article is to analyze the relationship between sleep and mental disorders, while focusing on different groups of psychiatric conditions. We also discuss the comorbidity of sleep and mental disorders, explore how sleep disturbances may trigger relapses or worsen psychiatric symptoms, and characterize core changes in sleep architecture for various mental disorders. Additionally, we review the effects of psychotropic medications on sleep, therapeutic considerations for their usage, and present combined psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment strategies that can optimize the treatment outcomes for both sleep and mental disorders.
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