Scientists identify cortical cells that induce sleep

Neuroscientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine described in Nature a population of Sst-Chodl cortical neurons, about 0.1% of all neurons. Optogenetic stimulation puts a mouse to sleep, and the cells initiate slow waves rather than only responding to signals from deep brain regions.

• Sst-Chodl neurons are about 1 in 1,000 cortical neurons
• 95 of 111 cells active in slow-wave sleep and rest
• Optogenetics increased delta power and sped up sleep onset
• A single neuron branches across visual cortex and to motor areas