This record provides bibliographic details and links to the original research. An editorial study breakdown is not available.
What the researchers found
Sleep restriction increased food intake in male zebrafish and lowered brain POMC levels. Female zebrafish responded differently, spending less time feeding instead.
Why it matters
Sleep loss drives overeating in mammals. This zebrafish study confirms the link extends to fish and reveals sex differences in how sleep disruption affects appetite-regulating brain peptides.
The numbers in context
n=30 males, n=27 females; males: significant increase in food intake (mg and pellets); reduced POMC mRNA in sleep-restricted males; females: decreased feeding time
How the study worked
Controlled experiment with three groups: nighttime vibration (sleep restriction), daytime vibration (control for vibration stress), and no vibration. Individually and group-housed adult zebrafish. Food intake measured daily. Brain neuropeptide expression by RT-qPCR.
Who was studied
Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), male and female
What this study cannot tell us
Zebrafish brain circuits differ from mammalian systems. Sleep measured behaviorally, not by EEG. Small sample sizes. Short-term sleep restriction protocol. Cannot directly translate to human sleep and appetite.
Read the original research
Sex-Specific Effects of Sleep Restriction on Food Intake and Neuropeptide Expression in Zebrafish.
Journal of sleep research, e70235
Citation
Sabella, Agustina; Canesini, Guillermina; Gaydou, Luisa; Schumacher, Rocío; Baños, Adrián Exequiel; Stoker, Cora; Sigot, Valeria; Fernández, Pamela Rocío; Ramos, Jorge Guillermo; García, Ana Paula. (2025). Sex-Specific Effects of Sleep Restriction on Food Intake and Neuropeptide Expression in Zebrafish.. Journal of sleep research, e70235. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.70235