User:Kayeka/sandbox

= Sleep pressure = Sleep pressure is a term used to describe the biological process of the increasing urge to sleep the as sleep debt accumulates throughout the day creating a feeling of sleepiness. Sleep pressure is relieved by sleep and at its lowest upon waking. It is directly proportional to the amount of time spent awake. When sleep pressure is very high, sleep deprivation occurs.

Biological mechanism
Sleep pressure is part of the natural process of sleep homeostasis and is thought to be the result of astrocytes in the brain releasing adenosine, which acts on adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) to promote sleep. Adenosine can be inhibited by consumption of caffeine, thus reducing sleep pressure.

Studies have shown a relationship between slow-wave sleep (SWS), a restorative stage in the sleep cycle, and sleep pressure. In a study where participants were deprived of sleep, increasing sleep pressure, SWS activity was enhanced during sleep recovery.

See also:
Sleep

Circadian clock

Sleep cycle