Sleep node in the brain

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 162313.htm

Interesting! I wonder how long the experimental stage will take, before practical applications to the knowledge can take place.

Quote from the study article:
"The researchers found that a specific type of neuron in the PZ that makes the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is responsible for deep sleep. They used a set of innovative tools to precisely control these neurons remotely, in essence giving them the ability to turn the neurons on and off at will. The above is a small quote from the study."

Comment:

There are our old friends the GABA receptors again, right smack in the middle of our ancient brainstem and right smack in the middle of the science journals! Kind of suggests why so many people take/love Benzos and Z-meds, both big GABA grabbers... same for alcohol, opioids, MJ and most other 'whoopie' drugs.

It sure would be great if they could come up with something more natural and compatible with the human brain/body. I however have to take exception to having electrodes shoved into my brainstem so I can sleep. How about an aerosol spray that you could squirt around your bed that would make you fall deeply asleep all night? I know, I'm a dreamer.

How about fairy dust a la Tinkerbell... you can spray that around , or Dorothy's opium poppy field...

Julie wrote: or Dorothy's opium poppy field...

OMG... I forgot all about the poppy field in Oz. It was so beautiful! The yellow brick road... what does that mean? I wonder if there are any 'reefer' references in the Wizard of Oz? Stop me before I have a flashback <nudge, nudge, wink, wink>

Bricks of raw opium?

Electronic stimulation, for better living:
the Orgasmatron in Sleeper, the addictive microchips in William Shatner's TekWar.