A new study has found that northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) can go without rapid eye movement (REM) sleep for up to two weeks while at sea without any apparent problems. This contradicts previous studies conducted on land mammals like mice, where depriving animals of REM sleep for a week or more led to issues including weight loss, decreased temperature, and ultimately death.
REM Sleep and Its Importance
REM sleep is one of the four known stages of sleep, characterized by rapid eye movement and high brain activity. This sleep stage is essential for the recovery of both the body and mind, and for energy renewal. Previous studies indicate that depriving animals of REM sleep can lead to serious health problems.
Fur Seals and REM Sleep
The new study showed that northern fur seals can survive for up to two weeks without REM sleep while at sea. Nonetheless, no negative effects on the health or performance of the animals were observed. This presents an exception to other land mammals that suffer serious health issues as a result of REM sleep deprivation.
Significance of the Study
This study is important for understanding how depriving animals of REM sleep affects health and performance. The findings may help in developing new methods to address sleep issues and improve the quality of life for both humans and animals alike.
Conclusion
The study suggests that northern fur seals are capable of forgoing REM sleep for extended periods without negative impacts on their health. This ability may be related to their adaptation to the marine environment and their specific needs. However, further research is still needed to understand the mechanisms behind this ability and its implications for other living organisms.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05353-0
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{
width: calc(12% – 20px);
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item img{
max-width: 100%;
height: auto;
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item.lwrp-empty-list-item{
background: initial !important;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{
}@media screen and (max-width: 480px) {
.lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{
}
.lwrp .lwrp-title{
}.lwrp .lwrp-description{
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{
flex-direction: column;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container ul.lwrp-list{
margin-top: 0px;
margin-bottom: 0px;
“`html
padding-top: 0px;
padding-bottom: 0px;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-double,
.lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{
width: 100%;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{
justify-content: initial;
flex-direction: column;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{
width: 100%;
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){
}
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,
.lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{
};
}
Leave a Reply