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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:58
Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
REM sleep, energy balance and 'optimal foraging'
1Sleep Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK. j.a.horne@lboro.ac.uk
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|January 10, 2009
Summary
Mammalian REM sleep (REM) is linked to feeding and energy balance, potentially aiding in foraging decisions and appetite regulation. REM deprivation disrupts energy balance, highlighting its crucial role in survival strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Mammalian REM sleep (REM) shares mechanisms with feeding and energy balance.
- REM sleep phenomena like atonia and muscle tonus changes may relate to foraging and ingestion behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the functional role of REM sleep in energy balance and foraging behavior.
- To investigate how REM sleep influences optimal foraging decisions and energy expenditure during wakefulness.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes an ecological approach to understanding REM sleep function.
- It reviews existing literature on REM sleep deprivation effects in rodents and observational data in various mammals.
Main Results:
- REM deprivation severely impacts energy balance in rodents.
- REM sleep may update foraging decisions, including food choice, location, time allocation, and energy expenditure versus predation risk.
Conclusions:
- REM sleep's function is proposed to shift from updating foraging strategies early in the sleep period to inhibiting feeding later.
- Easy food accessibility in humans and pets may lead to an excess of later REM sleep, with different consequences than total REM deprivation.
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