Comparative analysis of sleep deprivation models: Impacts on sleep architecture, emotional state, cognitive function, and biochemical indicators in male rats

Abstract

Sleep deprivation significantly affects both physiological and psychological health, with various experimental models used to study these impacts. This study compares three sleep deprivation models—Modified Multiple Platform Method (MMPM), treadmill method, and p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) method—on key physiological, cognitive, and emotional parameters in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were subjected to 72 hours of sleep deprivation using these methods, followed by behavioral, cognitive, physiological, and biochemical assessments. Results indicated that the treadmill and PCPA methods led to significant reductions in both NREM and REM sleep (P < 0.05), with the PCPA method showing the most severe emotional effects, including heightened anxiety and depressive behaviors (P < 0.001). Cognitive impairments were most pronounced in the MMPM and treadmill groups (P < 0.01). All sleep deprivation models showed signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, as reflected by elevated LF/HF ratios in heart rate variability assessments (P < 0.05). Neurochemical analysis revealed reductions in hypothalamic 5-HT, Glu, and GABA levels, with the MMPM and treadmill methods causing more pronounced decreases (P < 0.05). Additionally, IL-2 levels significantly decreased while TNF-α levels increased in sleep-deprived rats compared to controls (P < 0.05). These findings highlight the distinct physiological, emotional, and cognitive impacts of different sleep deprivation models, providing a basis for model selection in future studies.