What's Happening?
Researchers have identified a 300-million-year-old brain rhythm, known as the infraslow rhythm, present across various animal species including reptiles, birds, rodents, and humans. This rhythm, previously observed primarily in mammals, is linked to non-rapid
eye movement (NREM) sleep. The study, conducted by a team from the Neuroscience Research Center of Lyon and other institutions, suggests that this rhythm is a conserved evolutionary trait. The findings indicate that while reptiles may not exhibit REM/NREM sleep as mammals do, they share this ancient rhythm, which could play a role in brain cleaning processes and environmental vigilance during sleep.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of a shared brain rhythm across diverse species provides insights into the evolutionary history of sleep and its functions. Understanding these rhythms could enhance knowledge about sleep disorders and their treatment in humans. The research highlights the potential for further studies on the mechanisms underlying these rhythms, which could lead to advancements in neuroscience and sleep medicine. This finding also opens up new avenues for exploring how different species have adapted their sleep patterns to their environments, offering broader implications for evolutionary biology.
What's Next?
Future research will focus on exploring the presence of this rhythm in other animal groups such as amphibians and fish. Scientists aim to decipher the mechanisms behind the infraslow rhythm to determine its functions in different species. These studies could lead to a deeper understanding of sleep's evolutionary role and its impact on health and survival. The research team plans to continue investigating brain rhythms and their implications for sleep state organization across species.
