Uncovering the Link Between Stress and Disrupted Sleep in Mice

Researchers have identified a group of neurons in the brains of mice that regulate wakefulness disruptions called microarousals, which are associated with poor sleep quality. These neurons, called glutamatergic neurons, were found to be more active during sleep after acute stress. Inhibiting these neurons resulted in longer periods of sleep between microarousals. The findings provide insight into the relationship between stress and sleep and could potentially lead to better treatments for sleep disorders caused by stress.