 TFAP2B is a protein that is essential for proper sleep in mice. It does so by controlling the expression of genes involved in brain development and patterning, as well as those associated with GABAgic neurons. When TFAP2B is absent from these cells, mice experience shorter periods of NIM and IEM sleep, as well as lower levels of Delta and Theta waves, indicating that it plays a role in the regulation of sleep. This article was authored by Yang Hu and Henrik Bringman.