Intro
Preface
Contents
Part I Understanding Sleep and Clock Interlink in Health and Longevity
1 Sleep and Circadian Clock: Novel Players in Health Impacts and Aging
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Sleep
1.2.1 What is Sleep?
1.2.2 Physiological Basis of Sleep
1.2.3 Types of Sleep/Different Stages of Sleep
1.2.4 Sleep Duration/Need
1.2.5 Regulation of Sleep
1.3 Biological Clock: Circadian Timing System (CTS)
1.3.1 SCN: Neurotransmitters in Input and Output Pathways
1.3.2 SCN: Relay Center for Information
1.3.3 Melatonin: Messenger of Darkness

1.3.4 Molecular Components of CTS
1.4 Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Interplay
1.4.1 The Two-Process Model: The Interaction of Circadian Forces and Sleep Homeostasis
1.4.2 Sleep Gate
1.5 Sleep and Clock Misalignment with Aging
1.5.1 Alterations in Sleep Structure in Old
1.5.2 Desynchronization of Circadian Rhythm Patterns in Old
1.5.3 The Circadian and Sleep Perturbances
1.6 Interventions to Improve Sleep and Clock Function: A Step Toward Healthy Aging and Longevity
1.6.1 Sleep Hygiene
1.6.2 Light Therapy
1.6.3 Administration of Exogenous Melatonin

1.6.4 Herbal and Other Interventions
1.7 Goals and Conclusions
References
2 Cells and Circuits of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and the Control of Circadian Behaviour and Sleep
2.1 Introduction: Mammalian Circadian System Overview
2.2 Molecular-Genetic and Cellular Basis of Circadian Timekeeping in Mammals
2.2.1 The Core Feedback Loop-Genes and Molecules: Discoveries Through Mapping and Mutagenesis Screens
2.2.2 Additional Feedback Loops Support the TTFL
2.2.3 Control of the Stability of Clock Proteins and Effect on Behaviour
2.3 Circadian Properties of SCN Neurons

2.3.1 Observing Clock Proteins at the Cellular Level
2.3.2 SCN Neural Activity and Transcriptional Cycles
2.3.3 The Importance of Coupling Between SCN Neurons
2.4 Circuit Architecture of the SCN as a Neuronal Network
2.4.1 Entrainment of the SCN Network: Photic and Non-photic Cues
2.4.2 SCN Network Synchrony: GABA and Neuropeptides
2.4.3 VIP Axis: Mediator of SCN Photic Entrainment and Neuronal Synchrony
2.4.4 GRP Axis: An Accessory Entrainment and Synchronisation Pathway
2.4.5 AVP Axis: Within-Shell Coupling and Circadian Output

2.4.6 Prokineticin-2 Axis: More Than an SCN Output?
2.4.7 An Emerging View of the Functional Topology of the SCN Network
2.5 The Role of Astrocytes in the SCN
2.5.1 Astrocytic Control of Circadian Rhythms
2.5.2 Astrocyte-To-Neuron-To-Astrocyte Communication Within the SCN Network
2.6 SCN Outputs and Control of Circadian Behaviour and Sleep
2.6.1 SCN Outputs and Control of Circadian Behaviour
2.6.2 SCN in the Circadian Regulation of Sleep
2.7 Conclusion and Future Perspectives
References
3 Circadian Regulation of Sleep
3.1 Introduction