The brainstem contains several critical areas involved in control of behavioral arousal, wake-sleep cycle, cardiovascular function, and respiration. Sleep and arousal are associated with profound changes in arterial pressure, heart rate, and respiration.

What part of the brain stem controls sleep?

The medulla contains the cardiac, respiratory, vomiting, and vasomotor centers regulating heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. The midbrain (mesencephalon) is associated with vision, hearing, motor control, sleep and wake cycles, alertness, and temperature regulation.

What controls the sleep/wake cycle?

The complex process of the sleep-wake cycle is controlled by the body's circadian rhythm and sleep homeostasis (the amount of accumulated sleep need that builds during time spent awake). Circadian rhythms are regulated by the body's internal master clock which is located in the brain.