Slow wave sleep: does it matter?

摘要

Sleep is a behavior observed in all living organisms and is necessary for survival. In rodents, total sleep deprivation results in a large rise in energy expenditure and consequent weight loss, despite increased food intake and - unless sleep deprivation is halted - it leads to death, usually in 2-3 weeks, Death associated with chronic sleep deprivation has also been reported in other species. In humans, the rare hereditary condition, fatal familial insomnia, which is associated with a progressive inability to sleep, invariably leads to death, with a time course of between 8 and 72 months. In the absence of a disorder, total sleep deprivation does not occur over prolonged periods of time. This attests to the homeostatic drive for sleep; beyond a few days, heroic measures must be taken to keep humans awake.