Sleep_neurobiology___circadian_biology

Neuron

A specialized cell that transmits neural impulses to and from organs, muscles, and other neurons.

Adenosine

A sleep-promoting neurochemical agent involved in sleep regulation that accumulates throughout the day.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substances that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that binds to GABA receptors, causing inhibition of the post-synaptic neuron.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes that display endogenous oscillation of about 24 hours, influencing sleep and wakefulness.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released and received.

Dopamine

An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in reward and motivation that can modulate synaptic activity.

Synaptic Vesicles

Small membrane-bound structures that contain neurotransmitters waiting to be released into the synaptic cleft.

Neural Communication

The process through which neurons send signals to one another through electrical impulses and neurotransmitter release.

Circadian Biology

The study of biological processes that follow a 24-hour cycle influenced by environmental cues.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or dampens a biological response by binding to a receptor.

Proinflammatory Cytokines

Signaling molecules released during inflammation that promote sleep, such as IL-1β and TNFα.

Homeostasis

The physiological process of maintaining internal stability in an organism.

Sleep Stages

Different phases of sleep including NREM and REM, characterized by distinct brain wave patterns.

Chemical Synapse

A junction where neurons communicate by releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Neurochemical Agents

Biochemical substances that influence the functioning of the nervous system in promoting or inhibiting sleep.

Somnogens

Sleep-promoting neurochemical agents that induce sleep.