Brainstem control of sleep, wakefulness, alertness, and consciousness.
Amos D Korczyn, Lea Tenenholz Grinberg
Handbook of clinical neurology 2026 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-443-15736-3.00018-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Alertness Brainstem Consciousness Parasomnias Sleep–wake cycle |
| Key points | Argues that the brainstem is crucial for wakefulness and alertness but does not alone generate consciousness, and that clinical syndromes and unique states reveal distinctions between wakefulness, alertness, and consciousness. |
Abstract
The brainstem is crucial for maintaining wakefulness, sleep regulation, and consciousness. It orchestrates alertness through the ascending reticular activating system, integrating sensory information and projecting to the cortex. Consciousness emerges from intricate interactions involving the brainstem, though the brainstem alone does not generate consciousness. Clinical syndromes resulting from brainstem lesions highlight distinctions between wakefulness, alertness, and consciousness. Disorders such as sleep paralysis, parasomnias, vegetative state, minimally conscious state, coma, and locked-in syndrome illustrate how brainstem dysfunction affects consciousness and behavior. Unique states like lucid dreaming and hypnagogia further demonstrate brainstem contributions, revealing a distinct form of internally directed consciousness ("consciousness II"). Understanding these phenomena provides insights into the brainstem's essential role in the complex neural network underlying human consciousness and cognitive function.