Sleep is an evolutionarily conserved behavior crucial in consolidating memories, promoting brain health, and maintaining overall cognitive function. In mammals, behavioral features of sleep include stereotypic body posture, consolidated quiescence at a particular time of day, an increased arousal threshold reflecting sensory disconnection from the environment, and a compensatory increase after sleep deprivation (known as sleep homeostasis).

In addition to these behavioral features, the gold standard method for characterizing sleep in clinical and experimental contexts involves recording electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals. Recent advances in neuroscience have allowed researchers to combine these recordings with new techniques to decipher sleep functions and regulation mechanisms. Understanding the intricate dynamics of neuronal circuits during sleep is essential for comprehending the underlying mechanisms and functional significance of this fundamental biological process.

The collection welcomes submissions that employ a wide range of experimental approaches, including imaging techniques, electrophysiological recordings, optogenetic manipulation, and high-resolution mapping of neural activity in different model organisms.

The presented Methods Collection aims to showcase the current state-of-the-art techniques for recording neuronal circuits during sleep and highlight emerging trends and future directions in the field. By advancing our knowledge of sleep-related neuronal circuit dynamics, this collection contributes to unraveling the complexities of sleep and opens new avenues for investigating sleep-related disorders and therapeutic interventions.