Sleep-Wake Regulation Mechanisms:

Wakefulness Maintenance System:

• Consists of 4 main nuclei within the Ascending Reticular Activating System (ARAS): PPT, Rache, LC, TMN.

• The hypothalamus secretes orexin, playing a crucial role in maintaining wakefulness.

Sleep Initiation System:

• The Ventrolateral Preoptic Nucleus (VLPO) plays a major role in triggering sleep.

• Serotonin modulates the activity of VLPO, contributing to sleep onset.

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep:

• Characterized by dreaming and abnormal bodily activity.

• Brain waves in this stage resemble Beta waves, typical of wakefulness.

Non-Rapid Eye Movement (non-REM) Sleep:

• A period of rest and recovery for the body.

• Includes 4 stages with distinct brain wave and bodily activity characteristics.

Insomnia Classification and Treatment:

• Transient insomnia (<3 days): Often due to stress or anxiety. Treatment involves low-dose sleep medication for 2-3 nights.

• Short-term insomnia (<3 weeks): May be caused by environmental or psychological factors. Treatment involves sleep medication for 7-10 days, taken intermittently.

• Long-term insomnia (>3 weeks): Typically associated with mental health disorders. Requires assessment of the patient’s condition and treatment of the underlying cause.