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The importance of sleep for behavioural performance during waking is long-established, but the underlying reasons and mechanisms remain elusive. Waking and sleep are associated with changes in the levels of GluA1 AMPAR subunit in synaptic membranes, while studies using genetically-modified mice have identified an important role for GluA1-dependent synaptic plasticity in a non-associative form of memory that underlies short-term habituation to recently experienced stimuli. Here we posit that sleep may play a role in dishabituation, which restores attentional capacity and maximises the readiness of the animal for learning and goal-directed behaviour during subsequent wakefulness. Furthermore we suggest that sleep disturbance may fundamentally change the nature of behaviour, making it more model-free and habitual as a result of reduced attentional capacity.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.conb.2017.05.002

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr Opin Neurobiol

Publication Date

06/2017

Volume

44

Pages

202 - 211

Keywords

Animals, Habits, Homeostasis, Neuronal Plasticity, Sleep, Wakefulness