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Updated: May 12, 2026
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Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
The circadian control of sleep
Simon P Fisher1, Russell G Foster, Stuart N Peirson
1Biosciences Division, SRI International, Centre for Neuroscience, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|April 23, 2013
Summary
The circadian system significantly influences sleep-wake cycles through molecular clock genes and environmental cues. Understanding this interplay is crucial for regulating sleep and wakefulness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Sleep is a complex biological process regulated by multiple brain regions and neurotransmitters.
- The circadian system plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
- Both circadian drives for wakefulness and sleep homeostasis influence sleep need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the regulation of sleep, emphasizing the circadian system's contribution.
- To provide an overview of the interplay between molecular clock genes and sleep regulation.
- To summarize the influence of environmental factors on sleep modulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on circadian rhythms and sleep regulation.
- Analysis of the role of clock genes in the sleep regulatory system.
- Examination of environmental factors like light, melatonin, and social cues.
Main Results:
- Clock genes are integral to the molecular mechanisms governing sleep.
- The circadian system provides a drive for wakefulness.
- Environmental factors, including light and melatonin, modulate sleep patterns.
Conclusions:
- The circadian system is a critical determinant of sleep-wake cycles.
- Molecular clock components interact with sleep regulatory systems.
- Light, melatonin, and social cues are important modulators of sleep, with melanopsin ganglion cells playing a key role.
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