Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2017

School

Psychology

Abstract

The purpose and function of sleep has been the topic of discussion for several centuries. Though our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the propagation and maintenance of rest states has undergone significant improvement, much remains to be learned with regards to the effects of disrupted sleep on diseased states. A deeper understanding of the neural circuitry and associated phenotypes would allow for the identification of sleep-related pathologies as well as the development of therapies for individuals with sleep disorders. To this end, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) pose a great advantage. Zebrafish are a diurnal animal, and the sleep rhythms of this animal are sensitive to environmental changes and pharmacological interventions. In this review, we highlight the common methods of sleep disruption, and discuss some of the effects of sleep disruption in the zebrafish. Disrupted sleep rhythms in the adult animal are linked to changes in gene and protein expression, while behavioral measures of anxiety have produced mixed results. We propose that this variation is a result of the type of sleep disruption as well as the type of anxiety test employed. This beckons the need for further study of the effects of environmental and pharmacological manipulations on the sleep rhythms of the animal. Further, researchers must not rely solely on one test as a measure of stress or anxiety as it provides only a one-dimensional insight.

Publication Title

International Journal of Comparative Psychology

Volume

30

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