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

1.7K
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...
1.7K
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

3.1K
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:
3.1K
Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation01:13

Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

5.4K
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...
5.4K
Organization of the Brain01:30

Organization of the Brain

2.8K
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...
2.8K
Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions01:30

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

5.9K
The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the...
5.9K
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

2.0K
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
2.0K

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

GABA neurons in the sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus suppress wakefulness in healthy and narcoleptic mice.

PLoS biology·2026
Same author

Mechanisms of upper airway muscle control in sleep reveal therapeutic targets for obstructive sleep apnea.

American journal of respiratory cell and molecular biology·2026
Same author

Optical and pharmacological manipulation of hypoglossal motor nucleus identifies differential effects of taltirelin on sleeping tonic motor activity and responsiveness.

Scientific reports·2023
Same author

Targets for obstructive sleep apnea pharmacotherapy: principles, approaches, and emerging strategies.

Expert opinion on therapeutic targets·2023
Same author

Medullary tachykinin precursor 1 neurons promote rhythmic breathing.

eLife·2023
Same author

Immortal orexin cell transplants restore motor-arousal synchrony during cataplexy.

Current biology : CB·2023

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 25, 2026

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

10.6K

Brain Circuitry Controlling Sleep and Wakefulness.

Richard L Horner, John H Peever

    Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.)
    |August 5, 2017
    PubMed
    Summary

    This review explores brain circuits controlling sleep-wake cycles. Understanding these mechanisms and their dysfunctions is key to addressing sleep disorders like narcolepsy.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Sleep Medicine

    Background:

    • Sleep-wake patterns are governed by complex brain circuits.
    • These circuits involve interconnected cell clusters in the brainstem and hypothalamus.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To outline fundamental brain mechanisms controlling sleep-wake patterns.
    • To review how pathologic changes in these mechanisms contribute to sleep disorders.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of current research on sleep-wake control circuits.
    • Analysis of neurotransmitter roles in sleep and wakefulness.

    Main Results:

    • Specific neurotransmitters modulate sleep, wakefulness, and arousal levels.
    • Dysfunction in these circuits is linked to narcolepsy, REM sleep behavior disorder, and age-related sleep issues.

    More Related Videos

    Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
    08:45

    Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

    Published on: January 25, 2016

    25.4K
    The Sleep Nullifying Apparatus: A Highly Efficient Method of Sleep Depriving Drosophila
    06:06

    The Sleep Nullifying Apparatus: A Highly Efficient Method of Sleep Depriving Drosophila

    Published on: December 14, 2020

    4.3K

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Feb 25, 2026

    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

    10.6K
    Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
    08:45

    Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

    Published on: January 25, 2016

    25.4K
    The Sleep Nullifying Apparatus: A Highly Efficient Method of Sleep Depriving Drosophila
    06:06

    The Sleep Nullifying Apparatus: A Highly Efficient Method of Sleep Depriving Drosophila

    Published on: December 14, 2020

    4.3K

    Conclusions:

    • Significant progress has been made in identifying brain circuits for sleep-wake control.
    • This research deepens the understanding of common sleep disorders.