Sleep Pattern Interference in the Cognitive Performance of Lusitano Horses

Area of Science:

• Equine sleep science
• Animal behavior
• Sleep research

Background:

• Equine sleep, like other mammals, comprises REM and NREM phases.
• Understanding horse sleep patterns is crucial for their well-being and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of REM sleep deprivation on cognitive functions in horses.
• To characterize sleep patterns in stalled dressage horses.

Main Methods:

• A randomized crossover experiment with ten Lusitano horses.
• REM sleep deprivation induced by preventing sternal or lateral recumbency for 72 hours.
• Assessment of spatial memory and visual attention before and after deprivation.

Main Results:

• A 48-hour recording period was sufficient to characterize sleep patterns in stalled horses.
• Total recumbency time was lower than previously reported.
• A trend indicated increased time to resolve spatial memory tasks after REM sleep deprivation (p=0.0839).

Conclusions:

• REM sleep deprivation may impact cognitive performance in horses.
• Further research is needed to understand horse sleep requirements and environmental influences.