Neurobiological mechanisms for the regulation of mammalian sleep–wake behavior: Reinterpretation of historical evidence and inclusion of contemporary cellular and molecular evidence

At its most basic level, the function of mammalian sleep can be described as a restorative process of the brain and body; recently, however, progressive research has revealed a host of vital functions to which sleep is essential. Although many excellent reviews on sleep behavior have been published,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews 2007, Vol.31 (5), p.775-824
Main Authors: Datta, Subimal, MacLean, Robert Ross
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Behavioral psychophysiology
Biological and medical sciences
Brain - cytology
Brain - physiology
Cellular–molecular–network model of REM sleep
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
History of identification of sleep stages
Humans
Mammals
Mammals - physiology
Metabolite homeostasis
Models, Neurological
Molecular Biology
Molecular mechanisms of sleep
Neurobiology
Neurons - physiology
Neurotransmitters
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Rapid-eye movement sleep
Sleep - physiology
Slow-wave sleep
Wake-promoting structures of the brain
Wakefulness
Wakefulness - physiology
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Summary:At its most basic level, the function of mammalian sleep can be described as a restorative process of the brain and body; recently, however, progressive research has revealed a host of vital functions to which sleep is essential. Although many excellent reviews on sleep behavior have been published, none have incorporated contemporary studies examining the molecular mechanisms that govern the various stages of sleep. Utilizing a holistic approach, this review is focused on the basic mechanisms involved in the transition from wakefulness, initiation of sleep and the subsequent generation of slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Additionally, using recent molecular studies and experimental evidence that provides a direct link to sleep as a behavior, we have developed a new model, the cellular–molecular–network model, explaining the mechanisms responsible for regulating REM sleep. By analyzing the fundamental neurobiological mechanisms responsible for the generation and maintenance of sleep–wake behavior in mammals, we intend to provide a broader understanding of our present knowledge in the field of sleep research.
ISSN:0149-7634
1873-7528
DOI:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2007.02.004