The state of non-REM sleep (NREM), or slow wave sleep, is associated with a synchronized
EEG pattern in which sleep spindles and/or K complexes and high-voltage slow wave
activity (SWA) can be recorded over the entire cortical surface. In humans, NREM is subdivided
into stages 2 and 3–4 (presently named N3) depending on the proportions of each
of these polygraphic events. NREM is necessary for normal physical and intellectual performance
and behavior. An overview of the brain structures involved in NREM generation
shows that the thalamus and the cerebral cortex are absolutely necessary for the most
significant bioelectric and behavioral events of NREM to be expressed; other structures
like the basal forebrain, anterior hypothalamus, cerebellum, caudal brain stem, spinal cord
and peripheral nerves contribute to NREM regulation and modulation. In NREM stage 2,
sustained hyperpolarized membrane potential levels resulting from interaction between
thalamic reticular and projection neurons gives rise to spindle oscillations in the membrane
potential; the initiation and termination of individual spindle sequences depends on
corticothalamic activities. Cortical and thalamic mechanisms are also involved in the generation
of EEG delta SWA that appears in deep stage 3–4 (N3) NREM; the cortex has
classically been considered to be the structure that generates this activity, but delta oscillations
can also be generated in thalamocortical neurons. NREM is probably necessary to
normalize synapses to a sustainable basal condition that can ensure cellular homeostasis.
Sleep homeostasis depends not only on the duration of prior wakefulness but also on its
intensity, and sleep need increases when wakefulness is associated with learning. NREM
seems to ensure cell homeostasis by reducing the number of synaptic connections to a
basic level; based on simple energy demands, cerebral energy economizing during NREM
sleep is one of the prevalent hypotheses to explain NREM homeostasis.Grant BFU2009-06991/BFI from the Spanish Ministry of Science
and Innovation supported this wor
