Genes, sleep and dreams

Abstract

This Chapter considers the continuing debate regarding the mechanisms that underlie the cognitive role of sleep. One theory proposes that the triggering of generalized synaptic downscaling occurs so as to restore homeostatic balance and enable further waking potentiation. The alternative, favored by the present authors, proposes that sleep harbors decreased and increased plasticity in separate circuits. Further work is required to resolve this debate. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.