ABSTRACT
Over the past decade, GABAergic inhibition has been recognized to play a central role in the brain circuitries that regulate our daily cycles of sleep and wakefulness.1 Mutual inhibition between the arousal and sleep-promoting circuitry results in switching properties that define wake and sleep states. This process is under homeostatic influence (‘need to sleep’) and circadian drive. This chapter focuses on the physiology and pharmacology of GABAA receptor subtypes and their ligands in the promotion of sleep.
