Nature and Science of Sleep is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal covering all aspects of sleep science and sleep medicine, including the neurophysiology and functions of sleep, the genetics of sleep, sleep and society, biological rhythms, dreaming, sleep disorders and therapy, and strategies to optimize healthy sleep.

Specific topics covered in the journal include:

•  The functions of sleep in humans and other animals
• Physiological and neurophysiological changes with sleep
• The genetics of sleep and sleep differences
• The neurotransmitters, receptors and pathways involved in controlling both sleep and wakefulness
• Sleep changes with development and with age
• Sleep and reproduction (e.g., changes across the menstrual cycle, with pregnancy and menopause)
• The science and nature of dreams
• Interaction of society with sleep (e.g., consequences of shift work, occupational health, public health
• Impact of sleep disorders and sleep habits on health, daytime function and quality of life
• Sleep disorders
• Sleep problems secondary to clinical disorders
• Behavioral and pharmacological interventions aimed at improving sleep, and improving wakefulness
• Monitoring and sleep technologies
• Biological rhythms (circadian rhythms, ultradian rhythms, peripheral oscillators)

The journal welcomes submitted papers covering original research, basic science and technology, clinical and epidemiological studies, reviews and evaluations, guidelines, expert opinion and commentary, case reports and extended reports.