Sleep-related erection neurophysiology: a journey of discovery

Michel Jouvet established a tradition of sleep neurophysiology that inspired several generations of sleep researchers. When I arrived in his laboratory in 1991, it was known that erection cycles occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in humans. However, it was not known if such erections in sleep occurred in other species, or how REM-related erections were controlled. Employing the classical techniques and systematic approach of Jouvet and his team, I embarked on a journey of discovery. Not only were fundamental principles of REM-related erectile control identified, such as the critical role of the lateral preoptic area in the forebrain, but I also gained a deep appreciation of the scientific approach in the Jouvet tradition. Such insights passed on to his many students, together with a lifetime of friendships and collaborations, have left an indelible mark on our field.