Paradoxical sleep deprivation induces muscle atrophy
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Updated: May 24, 2026

Establishing a Device for Sleep Deprivation in Mice
Published on: September 22, 2023
Murilo Dattilo1, Hanna Karen Moreira Antunes, Alessandra Medeiros
1Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Professor Francisco de Castro, 93 Vila Clementino, CEP 04020-050, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Introduction:
Because paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) induces a catabolic hormone profile, we sought to evaluate the morphology of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle and testosterone and corticosterone levels of paradoxical sleep-deprived rats.
Methods:
Three study groups of rats were established: the first group was sleep deprived for 96 h; the second group was also sleep deprived for 96 h, but then returned to their home-cage and allowed to sleep for the next 96 h; and the third group was the control group, with a normal sleep cycle.
Results:
PSD reduced the weight and fiber cross-sectional area of the TA muscle. Moreover, PSD enhanced plasma corticosterone and reduced serum testosterone levels. The 96 h of sleep after PSD was sufficient to restore partially the morphology of TA, while hormones returned to basal levels.
Conclusion:
PSD induces hormonal alterations that may mediate muscle atrophy.
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