Why the medial preoptic area is important for sleep regulation

Abstract

The medial preoptic area (mPOA) is one of the many areas in the brain that control sleep. Apart from sleep, the mPOA is important for the regulation of body temperature, and other important body functions aimed at energy homeostasis. In sleep regulation, the major function of this area is to maintain sleep. Though the mPOA controls sleep and body temperature through independent neuronal circuits, it is essential for organising the sleep architecture, as per the thermoregulatory requirement. The functional integrity of the mPOA may be essential for the regulation of energy homeostasis, in response to alterations in the ambient temperature, heat producing physical activity and sleep-wakefulness. Thus, the mPOA forms part of the brain that integrates regulations aimed at preservation of self. The mPOA is important for maintaining the "set point" for not only body temperature, but it is also important for maintaining the "set point" for several physiological parameters including sleep-wakefulness.