One of the most mysterious things in the life of a human being since time immemorial is sleep. What controls it, and how do we wake up? What keeps our body functions running even when we are in the deepest form of sleep? There is no doubt that the questions are endless. The good news is that most of these questions have been answered through research. The reticular activating system (RAS) is now believed to be a significant component of the sleep wake cycle.

Most of the knowledge we have today regarding the RAS was discovered in 1949 by curious researchers. It has been shown that this system is built around two vital structures in the brains of mammals, the thalamus and the brain stem. There are a number of nuclei located in both the thalamus and the brain stem. Reticular fibres connect these nuclei forming a reticular pattern hence the name. Injury to this area causes somnolence and lethargy.

Connections within the RAS communicate by way of various chemicals. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters and two main categories exist; cholinergic and adrenergic. It is common for these two types of chemicals to work in synergy or competition depending on the desired physiological response. The main cholinergic neurotransmitter is glutamate and the main adrenergic one is adrenaline.

The mediation of sleep wake transition is undoubtedly the main function of RAS. There is a varying degree of activation depending on the depth of sleep; the deeper the sleep, the more the activation and the lighter the sleep, the less the activation. Another function is that of initiating and maintaining a state of alertness and attention whenever there is such a need. Increased blood flow to the thalamus and the midbrain during these events is evidence of this.

The RAS is central to survival. It helps in providing information that is needed immediately particularly in stressful situations. It is an entry portal for a great amount of information. At any given point in time, there are many things happening in our environment. This includes almost all forms of stimuli such as sight, touch, auditory and taste. Filtering is done and your brain will only respond to what is most important at the time.

Several factors are known to hinder the development of this important system. Preterm births are associated with a sub optimally functioning RAS. Many children delivered before their due dates have varying degrees of sleep disorders. The problem may be carried on into adulthood. Smoking during pregnancy is another factor that may disturb the system. Affected children are excessively aroused.

A number of diseases that affect the central nervous system are said to bear some relationship to a disorder of RAS. These are mainly the result of a slowing down of RAS activity which may happen with advancing age. Consequently there is a higher incidence of these diseases in the elderly compared to the general population. Examples include narcolepsy, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia.

As a leader, one needs to always be in control of their RAS. This can be achieved by undergoing regular thought training. Taking care of personal issues in timely issues helps free up your mind. It is also very important that you have properly planned short term and long term goals.