Precuneus hyperexcitability mediates inflammatory-driven pain hypersensitivity following sleep disruption: a multimodal neuroimaging study - Report - MDSpire

Precuneus hyperexcitability mediates inflammatory-driven pain hypersensitivity following sleep disruption: a multimodal neuroimaging study

  • By

  • Chao Li

  • Yang Wang

  • Kechong Zhou

  • Peng Zhang

  • Gang Chen

  • Xufeng Jiang

  • Yuhong Guo

  • May 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Hyperexcitability of the Precuneus Facilitates Inflammatory-Induced Pain Sensitivity

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between sleep disruption, inflammation, and pain sensitivity, highlighting the precuneus as a key brain region involved in these interactions. Findings indicate that sleep disturbances lead to increased inflammatory markers and heightened pain sensitivity, mediated by precuneus hyperactivity.

Background

Understanding the interplay between sleep disturbances and pain sensitivity is crucial for managing chronic pain conditions. Sleep disruption is known to enhance inflammatory responses, which can exacerbate pain perception. Identifying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these interactions may inform targeted therapeutic strategies.

Data Highlights

GroupTotal/Slow-Wave SleepIL-6 LevelsPain Thresholds
Forced AwakeningDiminishedIncreasedDecreased
Uninterrupted SleepNormalNormalNormal

Key Findings

  • Forced awakening (FA) participants had diminished total/slow-wave sleep compared to uninterrupted sleep (US) participants.
  • FA participants exhibited increased IL-6 levels and decreased pain thresholds.
  • Task-fMRI revealed heightened activation in the precuneus and middle temporal gyrus during pain processing in FA participants.
  • Serum IL-6 levels inversely correlated with pain thresholds and positively correlated with precuneus activation.
  • Mediation analysis indicated that precuneus hyperactivity mediates the relationship between IL-6 and pain hypersensitivity.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the impact of sleep disturbances on inflammatory responses and pain sensitivity in patients. Addressing sleep quality may be essential in managing chronic pain conditions, potentially through cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and other interventions targeting sleep.

Conclusion

The precuneus serves as a critical link between sleep disturbances, inflammation, and pain sensitivity, suggesting a novel neuroimmune pathway that could be targeted for therapeutic interventions in chronic pain management.

References

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
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  4. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  5. Effects of Experimental Sleep Deprivation on Peripheral Inflammation: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Human Studies - PMC
  6. The Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Insomnia/OSA) (2025) - VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines
  7. Telehealth and Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Treatments for High-Impact Chronic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA | JAMA Network
  8. Effects of Experimental Sleep Deprivation on Peripheral Inflammation: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Human Studies - PMC
  9. The Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Insomnia/OSA) (2025) - VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines
  10. Telehealth and Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Treatments for High-Impact Chronic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA | JAMA Network

Original Source(s)

Precuneus hyperexcitability mediates inflammatory-driven pain hypersensitivity following sleep disruption: a multimodal neuroimaging study

  • by Chao Li, Yang Wang, Kechong Zhou, Peng Zhang, Gang Chen, Xufeng Jiang, Yuhong Guo

  • May 4, 2026

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