title: [Sleep-wake cycle mechanisms].
abstract: Neurochemically distinct systems interact regulating sleep and wakefulness. Wakefulness is promoted by aminergic, acetylcholinergic brainstem and hypothalamic systems. Each of these arousal systems supports wakefulness and coordinated activity is required for alertness and EEG activation. Neurons in the pons and preoptic area control rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Mutual inhibition between these wake- and sleep-regulating systems generate behavioral states. An up-to-date understanding of these systems should allow clinicians and researchers to better understand the effects of drugs, lesions, and neurologic disease on sleep and wakefulness.
authors.affiliation: Centro Interdepartamental para Estudos do Sono, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo. piero.ops@zaz.com.br
authors.forename: Flávio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alóe
authors.forename: Alexandre Pinto de
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hasan
mesh_terms: D000204:Activity Cycles / Q000502:physiology*; D004576:Electromyography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000502:physiology*; D014851:Wakefulness / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents