Normal sleep is under control of :

1. The reticular activating system in the upper brain stem

2. Diencephalon

● Circadian rhythms are internally generated by:

1. suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
a. Retinal ganglion cells send direct projections to the SCN
b. The nucleus stimulates the production of melatonin by
the pineal gland
● Sleep center → below mid pontile level of the brainstem :
1. The raphe nuclei in the lower half of the pons and in the
medulla → secrete serotonin → inhibit incoming sensory
signals, (including pain) → sleep
2. The nucleus of the tractus solitarius → sleep
3. Stimulation of several regions in the diencephalon can
also promote sleep,
a. the rostral part of the hypothalamus, mainly in the
suprachiasmal area
b. Nuclei of the thalamus.
Lesions in Sleep-Promoting Centers Can Cause Intense
Wakefulness.
- Discrete lesions in the raphe nuclei lead to a high
state of wakefulness.
- bilateral lesions in the medial rostral suprachiasmal
area in the anterior hypothalamus

RAS
1. Ascending fibers originating in the reticular formation carry
signals upward to Arouse and activate the cerebral cortex
(ARAS).
2. Fibers descending from the cortex, especially its motor
areas, can activate the RAS.
- RAS consist of 2 parts;
Mesencephalic part: nerve impulses going to thalamus and
disperse to the cerebral cortex → causes wakefulness
(consciousness).
Thalamic part: When the thalamic part is stimulated →
activity in cerebral cortex. → causes arousal that is
awakening from deep sleep [sensory input, pain stimuli,
Bright light].

Brain Mechanisms
 Pontomesencephalon contributes to cortical arousal. CHARACTERISTIC
a. Axons extend to the thalamus and basal forebrain → OF REMS:
• Difficult to arouse
release acetylcholine and glutamate by sensory stimuli.
b. Produce excitatory effects to widespread areas of the • Decreased muscle
cortex. tone through out the
 Basal forebrain body.
1. Cells of the basal forebrain release GABA. • Heart rate and
2. Other axons from the basal forebrain release respiration usually
acetylcholine become irregular
• metabolism may be
• Orexin / hypocretin is a peptide neurotransmitter released increased by 20%.
from the lateral nucleus of the hypothalamus highly • E.E.G.findings:
responsible for the ability to stay awake. Shows pattern of
• Adenosine inhibit the basal forebrain cells for brain wave to those
arousal of wakefulness that
• Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors is which it is called
“Paradoxical”.
Decreased arousal required for sleep is accomplished via • In summary, REM
sleep is a type of
the following ways: sleep in which the
1. Decreasing the temperature of the brain and the body. brain is quite active.
2. Decreasing quiet environment
3. Accumulation of adenosine