Sleeping and waking depend on activities in the brain stem. Several areas of the brain seem to be involved in dreams and REM sleep, including the hippocamus and cortex. See attached links.
The part of the brain responsible for regulating sleep is the hypothalamus.
The brainstem, specifically the reticular formation, plays a crucial role in regulating body movement, attention, sleep, and alertness. It helps control vital functions like heart rate and breathing, and plays a role in maintaining consciousness and arousal.
cerebral cortex
hypothalamus
The pons is the part of the brain that regulates body movement, attention, sleep, and alertness. The pons is the part of the brainstem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus.
The midbrain is part of the brainstem, which is located in the central nervous system. It plays a role in motor movement, auditory and visual processing, and regulation of consciousness and sleep.
Limbic system
hypothalamus
During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, removes waste products, and repairs cells damaged by stress or pollution. It also helps regulate important hormones and neurotransmitters that are essential for healthy brain function. Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, mood stability, and overall brain health.
Suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is part of the nervous system. It is a small region located in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, thirst, and hormone production.
The hypothalamus, particularly the suprachiasmatic nucleus, plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. It receives information about light levels from the eyes, helping to synchronize the body's internal clock with the external day-night cycle. Additionally, the pineal gland produces melatonin in response to darkness, promoting sleep.