Overview

Abstract

In this book, we provide a new approach to sleep regulation, incorporating the new knowledge of use-dependent homeostatic regulation associated with plastic changes during NREM sleep. We amalgamated this homeostatic regulation with the line of the parallel developed by microstructural dynamics driven by sensory impulses from the surrounding world. One of the main lines in the book is the recognition of input-dependent (reactive) slow wave activity (responses) incorporated as “instant” homeostatic regulation in the slow wave homeostatic process. Consequently, we have shown the state dependency of sleep or arousal promoting effect of sensory input during NREM sleep, and the interdigitation of micro- and macro-level of sleep dynamism. This may explain how the sleeper is kept in contact with the surrounding world, preserving the continuity of sleep.