Clues to the functions of mammalian sleep.

TitleClues to the functions of mammalian sleep.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsSiegel JM
JournalNature
Volume437
Issue7063
Pagination1264-71
Date Published2005 Oct 27
ISSN1476-4687
KeywordsAnimals, Energy Metabolism, Humans, Mammals, Neurons, Sleep, Sleep Deprivation, Sleep, REM
Abstract

The functions of mammalian sleep remain unclear. Most theories suggest a role for non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in energy conservation and in nervous system recuperation. Theories of REM sleep have suggested a role for this state in periodic brain activation during sleep, in localized recuperative processes and in emotional regulation. Across mammals, the amount and nature of sleep are correlated with age, body size and ecological variables, such as whether the animals live in a terrestrial or an aquatic environment, their diet and the safety of their sleeping site. Sleep may be an efficient time for the completion of a number of functions, but variations in sleep expression indicate that these functions may differ across species.

DOI10.1038/nature04285
Alternate JournalNature
PubMed ID16251951