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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice

Published on: June 19, 2019

Noradrenaline involvement in basic and higher integrated REM sleep processes.

Claude Gottesmann¹

¹Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France. claude.gottesmann@unice.fr

Progress in Neurobiology

|June 3, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Noradrenaline is crucial for REM sleep. While most studies suggest its silence is needed, this review argues a specific level of noradrenaline is essential for REM sleep occurrence and mental function.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Sleep Science
Neurochemistry

Background:

The role of noradrenaline in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep has been studied since 1964.
Current research predominantly emphasizes the necessity of noradrenergic neuron silence in the locus coeruleus for REM sleep.
A minority of studies have consistently proposed that some noradrenaline is required for REM sleep initiation.

Observation:

This review critically analyzes existing literature on noradrenaline and REM sleep.
It examines arguments supporting the necessity of a basal noradrenaline level for REM sleep.
The review also explores the impact of noradrenergic neuron silence during REM sleep on cognitive functions, drawing parallels with waking neurochemistry.

Findings:

The majority of research indicates that noradrenergic neuron silence is a prerequisite for REM sleep.
Conversely, some evidence suggests that a specific level of noradrenaline is indispensable for REM sleep to occur.
The review presents arguments supporting this alternative viewpoint.

Implications:

Understanding the precise role of noradrenaline in REM sleep is vital for sleep disorder research.
The findings suggest that complete noradrenergic silence may not be universally required for REM sleep.
Further investigation into the consequences of noradrenergic neuron silence during REM sleep could illuminate its impact on cognitive processes and mental functioning.