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Neural tissue performs distinct functions in different behavioral contexts. This is especially apparent when comparing wakefulness, a behavioral state during which the brain is engaged in the current environment of the animal, to sleep, a behavioral state in which brain activity is disengaged from the current surroundings and yet supports future behavior of the animal. Sleep has a complex repertoire of region-and state-specific activity patterns, which are thought to perform two major functions: first, a mnemonic role to consolidate memories of information learned during the previous waking period, and a homeostatic role to reset the brain to a healthy operating regime for learning during the subsequent waking period. Using neural data analysis and mathematical modeling, I characterize the neural activity during sleep in the neocortex, and show that the neocortical and hippocampal activity patterns during the NREM …