"Unraveling the Intricate Pathways of Sleep Preparation in the Brain"
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered the brain wiring in mice that instinctively prepares them for sleep by engaging in nesting behavior. This behavior is controlled by dedicated brain cells in the prefrontal cortex, which connect to the hypothalamus and trigger nesting and sleep. The study suggests that this sleep preparation process is likely a survival feature shared among mammals, emphasizing the importance of proper sleep routines, or "sleep hygiene," in humans. The findings may provide insights into why sleep is essential for survival.