The brainstem plays a fundamental role in the control of sleep, arousal, movement and breathing. Its interconnected neural circuits shape sleep–wake transitions, underlie crucial physiological features of REM sleep, and maintain vital respiratory and autonomic functions.

Disruption of these systems can contribute to disorders ranging from cataplexy and REM sleep behaviour disorder to abnormal movements during sleep and central sleep apnoea. The brainstem is increasingly recognized as a key structure in epilepsy. Impaired recovery of arousal, breathing and autonomic function after seizures may contribute to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but fatal complication of epilepsy. Brainstem pathways are also therapeutically relevant, as they mediate important effects of vagus nerve stimulation, an established treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy.

The 30th Bernese Sleep-Wake-Epilepsy Day brings together leading clinicians and neuroscientists to explore this remarkable region - from fundamental mechanisms of sleep and neuromodulation to their relevance for neurological disease and treatment. This is on-site only. Participation is free of charge.