Widely Distributed Neurotensinergic Neurons in the Brainstem Regulate NREM Sleep in Mice

Classical transection studies suggest that, in addition to the hypothalamus, the brainstem is essential for non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. The circuits underlying this function, however, have remained largely unknown. We identified a circuit distributed in the midbrain, pons, and medulla that promotes NREM sleep in mice. We focused on the sublaterodorsal tegmentum, an area implicated in dual regulation of REM and NREM sleep. Transcriptomic and genetic analyses revealed that neurons positive for the neuropeptide neurotensin promote NREM sleep. Further analyses identified downstream NREM sleep-promoting neurons in the dorsal deep mesencephalic nucleus, the lateral part of the periaqueductal gray, and the medial vestibular nucleus that were also neurotensinergic. Infusion of neurotensin into the fourth ventricle induced NREM sleep-like cortical activity, whereas mice deficient for neurotensin exhibited increased REM sleep, implicating the involvement of the neuropeptide itself. These findings identify a widely distributed NREM sleep-regulating circuit in the brainstem with a common molecular property.