Semin Neurol 2009; 29(4): 277-296
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1237118
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The Neurobiology of Sleep

Jerome M. Siegel1
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, North Hills, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
09 September 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The neurobiology of sleep and narcolepsy is reviewed. Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is generated by neurons in the preoptic region of the hypothalamus and adjacent basal forebrain. Lesions in these regions cause insomnia. Stimulation of these regions rapidly produces sleep onset. The key brain structure for generating REM sleep is the pons and adjacent portions of the midbrain. Damage to the pons and/or caudal midbrain can cause abnormalities in REM sleep. The persistent sleepiness of narcolepsy is a result of a loss of hypocretin function.

REFERENCES

Jerome M SiegelPh.D. 

VA GLAHS Sepulveda 151A3, Department of Psychiatry, UCLA, 16111 Plummer Street

North Hills CA 91343

Email: JSiegel@ucla.edu