The hypothalamus is the central regulator of the circadian organization of metabolism, physiology and behavior via neuronal and hormonal signals. Previous research shows that the light-entrainable suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN) regulates daily rhythms in physiology and behavior, including sleep patterns. The SCN projects to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, which regulates hunger as well as the generation and secretion of melatonin in the pineal gland. Appetite and sleep have a bidirectional homeostatic relationship, as eating and sleeping represent two mutually exclusive behaviors. Sleep cycles are modified to coincide with times when food is available and needed since appetite is a wake-state dependent behavior. As a result, eating acts as another powerful entrainer for the mediation of energy homeostasis by the hypothalamic oscillators.
Chronic sleep disturbances are becoming increasingly frequent and can be brought on by a number of things, including stress, shift work, insomnia, and late-night studies. This is associated with an increased risk of several neurological diseases and disorders and obesity, which affects more than 1 billion people worldwide in 2022. It is crucial to fully understand the role of the hypothalamus as it may shed light on how alterations of this intricate network can lead to a detrimental state.
This Research Topic aims to cross-examine the role of the hypothalamus in the sleep-wake cycle with its relationship with appetite and metabolism. We welcome all original research articles and reviews that focus on, but not limited to, the following topics:
• The bidirectional relationship of sleep and appetite and the role of the hypothalamus in regulating it
• The impact of sleep deficits on this homeostatic system
• Circadian changes in metabolism and consequent feeding behaviors
The hypothalamus is the central regulator of the circadian organization of metabolism, physiology and behavior via neuronal and hormonal signals. Previous research shows that the light-entrainable suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN) regulates daily rhythms in physiology and behavior, including sleep patterns. The SCN projects to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, which regulates hunger as well as the generation and secretion of melatonin in the pineal gland. Appetite and sleep have a bidirectional homeostatic relationship, as eating and sleeping represent two mutually exclusive behaviors. Sleep cycles are modified to coincide with times when food is available and needed since appetite is a wake-state dependent behavior. As a result, eating acts as another powerful entrainer for the mediation of energy homeostasis by the hypothalamic oscillators.
Chronic sleep disturbances are becoming increasingly frequent and can be brought on by a number of things, including stress, shift work, insomnia, and late-night studies. This is associated with an increased risk of several neurological diseases and disorders and obesity, which affects more than 1 billion people worldwide in 2022. It is crucial to fully understand the role of the hypothalamus as it may shed light on how alterations of this intricate network can lead to a detrimental state.
This Research Topic aims to cross-examine the role of the hypothalamus in the sleep-wake cycle with its relationship with appetite and metabolism. We welcome all original research articles and reviews that focus on, but not limited to, the following topics:
• The bidirectional relationship of sleep and appetite and the role of the hypothalamus in regulating it
• The impact of sleep deficits on this homeostatic system
• Circadian changes in metabolism and consequent feeding behaviors
