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The role of the thalamus in sleep, pineal melatonin production, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Author(s) -
Jan James E.,
Reiter Russel J.,
Wasdell Michael B.,
Bax Martin
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2008.00628.x
Subject(s) - melatonin , circadian rhythm , dark therapy , free running sleep , sleep (system call) , neuroscience of sleep , thalamus , light effects on circadian rhythm , sleep spindle , pineal gland , endocrinology , medicine , neuroscience , rhythm , biology , psychology , suprachiasmatic nucleus , non rapid eye movement sleep , eye movement , computer science , operating system
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.