Regulation of SWS by Hormones and Cytokines

SWS is the most important component of sleep. (1) VLPO TMN seems to generate sleep and wakefulness. The rostral basal forebrain, which was defined as PGD 2 SPZ, may be involved in regulation of sleep. (2) PGD 2 promotes sleep, especially SWS, while PGE 2 prolongs wakefulness and depresses both SWS and REMS. (3) During SWS the activation of hypothalamus pituitary adrenocortic axis is inhibited, while the release of growth hormone is accelerated. The soporific effects of melatonin may be attributed to its hypothermic effects. (4) Interleukin 1 prolongs sleep, especially SWS, which seems to be mediated by PGD 2. Tumor necrosis factor (TFN) may promote SWS through 5 HT and its receptor. Therefore, the development of new hypnotics, which selectively prolong SWS, might follow the following ways: PGD 2 and chemicals which act like PGD 2; immuno regulators; substances with effects on 5 HT receptors; hormone, such as melatonin and growth hormone, which play roles in the physiological regulation on sleep wakefulness.