Sleep and brain plasticity

Abstract

Recent studies combining sleep measurements with measurements of neuronal plasticity have provided important insights into how sleep influences synaptic remodeling in the central nervous system. Scientists have employed different approaches to this problem that include classic models of plasticity in vivo and in vitro and more theoretical organizing principles. The resulting findings have in turn led to a reassessment of theories of sleep function and the role of sleep in brain plasticity. In this chapter, I discuss these key findings and current theories that posit different roles for sleep in neuronal plasticity.