Sleep circuit modulation: from animal models to human translation
Zixiao Yin1, Yichen Xu1, Yu-Ting Tseng2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100071, China.
Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Precise control of sleep-wake cycles using brain stimulation shows promise, but human translation requires novel strategies due to species differences in neural circuits and technical challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Science
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Sleep is vital for cognitive functions and overall health, occupying a significant portion of human life.
- Sleep disorders are widespread, affecting millions and complicating neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Optogenetics and chemogenetics offer precise sleep control in animal models via circuit manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sleep circuit organization from animal studies.
- To examine direct brain stimulation effects on human sleep.
- To propose translational strategies for human sleep modulation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesizing current animal study findings on sleep circuits.
- Analyzing human studies on direct brain stimulation for sleep.
- Comparing animal and human findings to identify discrepancies.
Main Results:
- Some sleep circuit principles are conserved across species.
- Significant differences exist in circuit architecture and technical capabilities between species.
- Direct brain stimulation shows potential but faces translational hurdles.
Conclusions:
- Novel approaches are needed to bridge the translational gap for human sleep modulation.
- Emerging solutions include enhanced spatiotemporal precision and oscillatory targeting.
- Disease-specific interventions may offer targeted human sleep regulation.
