Reward-Related Brain Circuit is Vital for Sleep, Researchers Discover

“The brain’s reward system is made up of several structures – including the prefrontal cortex, the nucleus accumbens, and the ventral segmental area (VTA) – and it plays a role in desire, pleasure, and motivation.”

“The reward system is primarily activated by a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which is produced in response to rewarding stimuli – such as food or sex. As the research team notes, it is perhaps unsurprising that the reward system is linked to the sleep-wake cycle; for example, when we are excited about the day ahead – an emotion fueled by the reward system – it can be difficult to sleep. However, de Lecea says that no studies had pinpointed the exact brain region where this overlap occurs – until now.”

Read the full article: Reward-related brain circuit is vital for sleep, researchers discover