sleep regulation
Managing rest cycles
Sleep regulation refers to the biological and behavioral processes that control when, how long, and how deeply a person sleeps.
The term encompasses both the body's internal mechanisms—circadian rhythms, hormones like melatonin, sleep pressure from adenosine buildup—and external factors like light exposure and sleep habits.
Poor sleep regulation can lead to insomnia or excessive daytime drowsiness.
- melatoninCircadian rhythm regulator
- blue lightHigh-energy visible radiation
- circadian rhythmBuilt-in sleep-wake cycle
- light exposureContact with radiant energy
- insomniaPersistent inability to rest
hypothalamus · adenosine · dream · shift work · mindfulness meditation · wake up call · hypersomnia · nap · white noise · chronotype · power nap · brainstem · hormones · light therapy · REM cycle · night owl · body clock · wakefulness
- physiologymetabolism, circulation, respiration, homeostasis, digestion
- hormonesestrogen, testosterone, insulin, hormone, cortisol
- homeostasishomeostasis, negative feedback, feedback loop, feedback loops, positive feedback