A potassium channel helper links energy production in cells to sleep

Sleep loss elevates mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in dFB neurons, which may enhance sleep-promoting activity.

• Two types of potassium channels in fruit fly neurons regulate the balance between waking and sleeping states.
• Oxidative byproducts from mitochondria influence the activity of sleep-inducing neurons through a specific cofactor.
• Increased reactive oxygen species during sleep loss lead to changes in the electrical activity of these neurons.
• The conversion of a key protein to a different form promotes sleep by enhancing action potential frequency.
• Energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and sleep are interconnected processes that may influence aging and disease.

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