Review on effects of heavy metals on sleep

　　Heavy metals including lead, cadmium, manganese, and mercury are important raw materials and auxiliary materials in industrial production, but they are also seriously polluting the environment. While most of the early toxicological data on heavy metals are derived from studying occupational exposure populations, the general adult population and the infants and adolescents are now increasingly being studied for the health hazards of heavy metals. Epidemiological and laboratory studies have clearly demonstrated the neurotoxicity of heavy metals and sleeping is heavily regulated and coordinated by nervous system. Based on available epidemiological studies, the paper reviewed the effects of heavy metals on sleep status of occupational and non-occupational (general adults as well as infants and adolescents) populations. In addition, it presented the associated mechanisms in terms of sleep-wake cycle and sleep-related neurochemicals.