This book offers a compilation of papers on the role of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in sleep, sleep disorders and neuroendocrine functions. Leading experts in sleep medicine, psychiatry and neuroendocrinology provide a broad perspective on the field, from the anatomical structure and physiology of the MCH system to the connection with other systems influencing sleep and diseases like anxiety and depression. The potential of MCHR-1 antagonists as anxiolytic/antidepressant drugs is also reviewed. The book will represent an interdisciplinary guide for sleep disorder specialists, sleep researchers, psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists, and behavioral sleep medicine specialists.

1. Neuroanatomical structure of the MCH system. - 2. Projections of the MCH system to structures involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness

3. MCH and the Orexin system - reciprocal influences
4. Optogenetic stimulation of MCH neurons
5- Role of MCH in REM sleep control
6. MCH, REM sleep and the monoaminergic system
7. MCH and depression
8. MCH receptor 1 antagonists: anxiolytic/antidepressant potential in animal models
9. Cannabinoidsand the MCH system
10. MCH receptors and thermoregulation
11. Sleep during the postpartum period. Role of MCH
12. MCH, sleep and neuroendocrine functions
13. MCH, pain and sleep
14. MCH and hypersomnia.