"To Sleep or Not to Sleep: Optogenetics of Arousal"

Our lab studies how brain circuitry controls both sleep and wakefulness in rodent model systems. We are particularly interested in dissecting the role of the hypothalamic circuits in promoting generalized brain arousal. Our work is relevant to understanding common disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia. Our lab uses innovative approaches such as in vivo optogenetics to examine the exact genetic nature of cells circuits and their roles in shaping behavior.