Nature and Science of Sleep is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal covering all aspects of sleep science and sleep medicine, including the neurophysiology and functions of sleep, the genetics of sleep, sleep and society, biological rhythms, dreaming, sleep disorders and therapy, and strategies to optimize healthy sleep. Specific topics covered in the journal include: The functions of sleep in humans and other animalsPhysiological and neurophysiological changes with sleepThe genetics of sleep and sleep differencesThe neurotransmitters, receptors and pathways involved in controlling both sleep and wakefulnessBehavioral and pharmacological interventions aimed at improving sleep, and improving wakefulnessSleep changes with development and with ageSleep and reproduction (e.g., changes across the menstrual cycle, with pregnancy and menopause)The science and nature of dreamsSleep disordersImpact of sleep and sleep disorders on health, daytime function and quality of lifeSleep problems secondary to clinical disordersInteraction of society with sleep (e.g., consequences of shift work, occupational health, public health)The microbiome and sleepChronotherapyImpact of circadian rhythms on sleep, physiology, cognition and healthMechanisms controlling circadian rhythms, centrally and peripherallyImpact of circadian rhythm disruptions (including night shift work, jet lag and social jet lag) on sleep, physiology, cognition and healthBehavioral and pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing adverse effects of circadian-related sleep disruptionAssessment of technologies and biomarkers for measuring sleep and/or circadian rhythmsEpigenetic markers of sleep or circadian disruption.