Full text is available at the source.
Sleep timing and the circadian clock in mammals: Past, present and the road ahead
Sleep timing and the body’s internal clock in mammals: history, current understanding, and future directions
AI simplified
Abstract
Circadian rhythms, approximately 24-h cycles, are essential for regulating sleep-wake cycles in nearly all mammals.
- Circadian rhythms are driven by a master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus.
- These rhythms influence a variety of biological processes including metabolism and immune function.
- The sleep-wake cycle is a primary output of the circadian clock and is critical for maintaining health.
- Current understanding includes the neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms that control daily sleep timing.
- Circadian regulation of sleep changes throughout development, indicating a dynamic relationship.
AI simplified