From Sleep to Alertness: Claustrum's Key Role in Engagement Uncovered
A new study at Hebrew University identified the function of a specific region in the brain in controlling our level of alertness, from states of deep sleep to states of vigilant and highly responsivity. They showed that when certain neurons found in a brain region called the claustrum are more active, we become less responsive to our surroundings during sleep. Activity of these same neurons also defines the level of our engagement with sensory information when we perform tasks.