DonateThe Brain & Sleep
Sleep and brain anatomy
There are several structures in the brain that are involved with sleep:
- The hypothalamus, a peanut-sized structure deep inside the brain, controls sleep and arousal.
- The brain stem, at the base of the brain, controls the transitions between wakefulness and sleep.
- The thalamus acts as a relay for information, helping us store short-term and long-term memories. The thalamus allows you to “tune out” when sleeping during most sleep stages but becomes active during REM sleep, sending images, sounds, and sensations to fill our dreams.
- The pineal gland increases the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps put you to sleep.
- The basal forebrain supports your sleep drive.
Brain function during sleep
The brain remains highly active throughout sleep so it can perform a host of functions. During healthy sleep, your brain can help:
Brain function during sleep
The brain remains highly active throughout sleep so it can perform a host of functions. During healthy sleep, your brain can help:
- •Keep your body safe and healthy by clearing out waste and toxic proteins
- Improve learning and coordination by restoring information that wasn’t fully processed during the day
- Consolidate and preserve important memories
One more reason to get a good night's sleep with
Essential Tremor
Essential Tremor
The brain uses a quarter of the body's entire energy supply, yet only accounts for about two percent of the body's mass. So how does this unique organ receive and, perhaps more importantly, rid itself of vital nutrients? New research suggests it has to do with sleep.
Jeff Iliff is a neuroscientist who explores the unique functions of the brain.
Why you should listen
Neuroscientist Jeff Iliff 's research follows two main paths. The first is the exploration of how the brain’s support cells, called glia, contribute to maintaining the proper environment for neuronal function and how their failure in conditions like vascular dementia, stroke, and traumatic brain injury leads to neurodegeneration. The second seeks to define the basic cellular mechanisms by which brain blood flow is coordinated up and down the vascular tree. Now an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, Jeff was a part of a University of Rochester Medical Center team that discovered a brain cleansing system, which they dubbed the “glymphatic system.”
Why you should listen
Neuroscientist Jeff Iliff 's research follows two main paths. The first is the exploration of how the brain’s support cells, called glia, contribute to maintaining the proper environment for neuronal function and how their failure in conditions like vascular dementia, stroke, and traumatic brain injury leads to neurodegeneration. The second seeks to define the basic cellular mechanisms by which brain blood flow is coordinated up and down the vascular tree. Now an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, Jeff was a part of a University of Rochester Medical Center team that discovered a brain cleansing system, which they dubbed the “glymphatic system.”
This page provides general info only. The Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor does not endorse medications, treatments, or companies but offers information. Consult your medical provider for care decisions.
