Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Sleep-Wake Cycles

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:

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...

Understanding Sleep

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...

Stages of Sleep

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 Insomnia

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...

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by

Same author

[The history of observations and some methodological features of the studies on local sleep].

Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova·2020

Same author

[On the mechanism of therapeutic effects of electrostimulation. Interpretations and predictions based on the results of sleep studies].

Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova·2019

Same author

[Progress of sleep studies in the age of electrophysiology. The visceral theory of sleep].

Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova·2018

Same author

[Long and difficult way towards the understanding of sleep function. Period before the age of electrophysiology].

Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova·2017

Same author

[Sleep, emotions and the visceral control].

Fiziologiia cheloveka·2014

Same author

[The features of sleep homeostasis in pregnant rats].

Zhurnal vysshei nervnoi deiatelnosti imeni I P Pavlova·2011

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Published on: October 11, 2018

[Sleep and pregnancy].

E M Rutskova, M L Pigareva

Zhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deiatelnosti Imeni I P Pavlova

|December 8, 2011

Summary

Sleep disturbances during pregnancy significantly impact pregnancy outcomes. Preserving sleep integrity is vital for fetal viability and development, necessitating further research into sleep regulation mechanisms.

Area of Science:

Reproductive biology
Neuroscience
Sleep medicine

Context:

Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy.
Sleep quality is a critical factor influencing pregnancy outcomes.
Understanding sleep changes during gestation is essential for maternal and fetal health.

Purpose:

To review recent data on sleep structure and regulation changes during pregnancy in humans and rats.
To explore the underlying mechanisms of these sleep alterations.
To emphasize the importance of sleep integrity for fetal development and discuss the pathological effects of sleep disorders.

Summary:

Pregnancy involves significant alterations in sleep structure and regulation.
Mechanisms driving these sleep changes in pregnant women and rats are discussed.

More Related Videos

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

Published on: April 5, 2024

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

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

Published on: October 2, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 26, 2026

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling

Published on: October 11, 2018

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period

Published on: April 5, 2024

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

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

Published on: October 2, 2019

The review highlights the crucial role of sleep in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Impact:

Underscores the necessity of preserving sleep integrity for fetal well-being.
Provides insights into potential pathological influences of sleep disorders during pregnancy.
Informs future research directions in maternal-fetal sleep medicine.