Abstract
The thalamus has a strong nonphotic influence on sleep, circadian rhythmicity, pineal melatonin production, and secretion. The opening of the sleep gate for nonrapid eye movement sleep is a thalamic function but it is assisted by melatonin which acts by promoting spindle formation. Thus, melatonin has a modulatory influence on sleep onset and maintenance. A remarkable similarity exists between spindle behavior, circadian rhythmicity, and pineal melatonin production throughout life. Together, the thalamic and chronobiological control of sleep leads to a new and improved understanding of the pathophysiology of circadian rhythm sleep disorders and also of the principles of sleep hygiene interventions.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of pineal research |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2009 |
Keywords
- Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
- Intergeniculate leaflet
- Melatonin
- Sleep gates
- Spindles
- Thalamus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology