Neural Circuitry of Wakefulness and Sleep

SUMMARY

Sleep remains one of the most mysterious yet ubiquitous animal behaviors. We review current perspectives on the neural systems that regulate sleep/wake states in mammals and the circadian mechanisms that control their timing. We also outline key models for the regulation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep, how mutual inhibition between specific pathways gives rise to these distinct states, and how dysfunction in these circuits can give rise to sleep disorders.

IN BRIEF

Scammell and colleagues review current perspectives on the neural systems that regulate sleep/wake states in mammals, current models for the control of sleep, and the circadian mechanisms that control the timing of sleep and wakefulness.