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Definition of Homeostatic Sleep Drive

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com

Created: February 12, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: This refers to the desire to sleep that gradually increases with prolonged wakefulness. It is lessened during sleep. This equilibrium is one of the primary determinants of sleep.
Examples: If one stays up for 3 days, the homeostatic sleep drive will cause profound sleepiness.
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