Consequences of sleep restriction during pregnancy on the development of sensory-motor and sexual behavior in the offspring

Abstract

The curtailment in sleep time, which is inherent to a modern lifestyle, may lead to clear repercussions upon one's health and wellbeing. These impairments significantly impact the endocrine system, and changes in sexual behavior can affect reproductive function. In fact, the outcomes of sleep restriction (SR) can be extended to pregnancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of SR during pregnancy on offspring development. Hannover-Wistar female rats will be subjected to SR throughout the pregnant period (21 days). In this protocol, the females will have the opportunity to sleep 6 hours a day and will be deprived of paradoxical sleep for 18 hours. After birth, the offspring will be analyzed for physical and reflexology since the first day of postnatal life until adulthood. At 3 months old, sexual behavior will be examined in both males and females. At the end of the experiments, blood will be collected for later hormonal assays. We expecte to provide evidence of the overall consequences of SR during pregnancy on the development of sensory-motor and sexual behavior in the offspring. (AU)