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

Behavioral and pharmacological interventions aimed at improving sleep, and improving 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

Sleep disorders

Impact of sleep and sleep disorders on health, daytime function and quality of life

Sleep problems secondary to clinical disorders

Interaction of society with sleep (e.g., consequences of shift work, occupational health, public health)

The microbiome and sleep

Chronotherapy

Impact of circadian rhythms on sleep, physiology, cognition and health

Mechanisms controlling circadian rhythms, centrally and peripherally

Impact of circadian rhythm disruptions (including night shift work, jet lag and social jet lag) on sleep, physiology, cognition and health

Behavioral and pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing adverse effects of circadian-related sleep disruption

Assessment of technologies and biomarkers for measuring sleep and/or circadian rhythms

Epigenetic markers of sleep or circadian disruption.