The effect of noise and heterogeneity is studied in a multi-neuron 
generalization of a two-neuron model of wake-sleep cycle introduced 
recently [S. Postnova, K. Voigt, H.A. Braun, J. Biol. Rhythms 24, 523 
(2009)]. This minimal but physiologically plausible two-neuron model 
introduced a  mechanism of homeostatic regulation of sleep based on 
Orexin/Hypocretin, a co-transmitter of the lateral hypothalamus, and on 
Glutamate.
It is shown that in the presence of an external periodic signal, 
representing e.g. a daily light stimulus or a circadian cycle, there are 
suitable levels of heterogeneity of the neuronal couplings or of the 
noise currents that are optimal for the system response to the external 
stimulus.
                
              
              
              
              
              
                
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