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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2016
Is Adenosine Action Common Ground for NREM Sleep, Torpor, and Other Hypometabolic States?
Alessandro Silvani1, Matteo Cerri1,2, Giovanna Zoccoli1
1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy.
Abstract:
This review compares two states that lower energy expenditure: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and torpor. Knowledge on mechanisms common to these states, and particularly on the role of adenosine in NREM sleep, may ultimately open the possibility of inducing a synthetic torpor-like state in humans for medical applications and long-term space travel. To achieve this goal, it will be important, in perspective, to extend the study to other hypometabolic states, which, unlike torpor, can also be experienced by humans.
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