Figure 1. Schematic of sleep regulation.

Energy-related molecules as well as pathogens through their respective pathogen recognition receptors, are enhanced by waking activity, in turn signaling sleep-regulatory molecules and resultantly promoting sleep. The sleep regulatory molecules act on their respective receptors to signal neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters alter ion channels, inducing changes in EPSPs and IPSPs and altering sleep and cortical EEG activity.