Lithium acts to modulate abnormalities at behavioral, cellular, and molecular levels in sleep deprivation-induced mania-like behavior.

Background: Ample amount of data suggests role of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation as the cause and effect of mania. Studies have also suggested disrupted circadian rhythms contributing to the pathophysiology of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. However, studies pertaining to circadian genes and effect of lithium treatment on clock genes are scant.