Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Understanding Sleep01:11

Understanding Sleep

Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Stages of Sleep01:22

Stages of Sleep

Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
Organization of the Brain01:30

Organization of the Brain

The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation01:13

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Tone-Evoked Sleep Electroencephalographic Slow Oscillations as a Function of Peripheral Rhythms: New Insights Into the Brain-Heart Integration.

Journal of sleep research·2025
Same author

Effects of emerging alcohol use on developmental trajectories of functional sleep measures in adolescents.

Sleep·2023
Same author

Recommendations for Identifying Valid Wear for Consumer-Level Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers and Acceptability of Extended Device Deployment in Children.

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)·2022
Same author

Prior test experience confounds longitudinal tracking of adolescent cognitive and motor development.

BMC medical research methodology·2022
Same author

Growth trajectories of cognitive and motor control in adolescence: How much is development and how much is practice?

Neuropsychology·2021
Same author

Risk for depression tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic in emerging adults followed for the last 8 years.

Psychological medicine·2021
Same journal

Use and Psychometric Properties of the MoCA in Spain: a Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Neuropsychology review·2026
Same journal

Health Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury: An Umbrella Review.

Neuropsychology review·2026
Same journal

A Systematic Review of Functional Brain Imaging Studies in Neurofibromatosis 1.

Neuropsychology review·2026
Same journal

Efficacy of Cognitive Training for Treating Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by Cognitive Domain.

Neuropsychology review·2026
Same journal

Compensatory Strategy Training Versus Computerized Restorative Function Training for Adults in the Chronic Stage After Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Neuropsychology review·2026
Same journal

Insight into Face Identity Recognition Ability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Neuropsychology review·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

Sleep and the brain.

Ian M Colrain1

  • 1Human Sleep Research Program, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. ian.colrain@sri.com

Neuropsychology Review
|January 25, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study explores how sleep impacts brain health across the lifespan, focusing on adolescents, older adults, and individuals with insomnia. It highlights the crucial role of sleep in maintaining cognitive function and brain structure.

More Related Videos

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
08:58

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

Published on: June 19, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
08:58

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

Published on: June 19, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Sleep Science
  • Cognitive Psychology

Background:

  • Sleep is vital for physical health and cognitive function, particularly in the brain.
  • Sleep patterns change significantly throughout life, especially during adolescence and old age.
  • Insomnia affects a substantial portion of the adult population, impacting daily life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the neurological and neuropsychological implications of sleep across different age groups and in insomnia sufferers.
  • To investigate the relationship between sleep, brain structure, and brain function.
  • To provide insights into age-related sleep changes and the effects of insomnia.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on sleep, aging, and insomnia.
  • Analysis of studies measuring brain electrical activity during sleep.
  • Examination of neuroimaging data related to sleep and brain structure.

Main Results:

  • Sleep undergoes significant, predictable changes during adolescence and old age.
  • Insomnia is associated with alterations in brain structure and function.
  • Sleep quality and patterns are linked to cognitive performance across the lifespan.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep is critical for maintaining brain health and cognitive function throughout life.
  • Adolescence and old age represent key periods of sleep-related changes.
  • Understanding sleep's impact is crucial for addressing insomnia and age-related cognitive decline.