New animal research suggests that little-studied brain cells known as astrocytes are major players in controlling sleep need and may someday help humans go without sleep for longer without negative consequences such as mental fatigue and impaired physical health. The study found that activating these cells kept mice awake for hours when they would normally be resting, without making them any sleepier. The researchers said their findings open up the possibility of future interventions that could target astrocytes to mitigate the negative consequences of prolonged wakefulness. which would benefit the productivity, safety, and health of shift workers and others who work long or odd hours.