You Might Be One Mouse Away From A good Night’s Sleep

What can a mouse tell you about the trouble you’re having with your sleep?  Perhaps quite a bit!

Scientists at Stanford say they've identified a brain circuit in mice that plays a key role in the sleep-wake cycle and is a key component of the brain's reward system. U.S. News & World Report says the findings could one day lead to new treatments for human sleep problems.

The Stanford University researchers found that as the mice ramped down for sleep, activity in the brain circuit decreased. The researchers also saw that activating the circuit could rouse the animals from sleep.

Knowing that, the pharmaceutical industry could one day target the circuit and help you get that good night sleep…the kind where nothing is stirring, not even a …well, you get it.