Sleep in unnatural times: illuminated night negatively affects sleep and associated hypothalamic gene expressions in diurnal zebra finches

Exposure to 5 lux dim light at night caused significant sleep disruptions in female zebra finches.

• Dim light at night fragmented nocturnal sleep into shorter bouts and resulted in sleep loss.
• Reduced plasma oxalate levels indicated sleep loss associated with dim light exposure.
• The 24-hour rhythm of certain genes showed a reduced amplitude and altered peak expression time under dim light.
• An abolition of the 24-hour rhythm was observed in specific gene expressions related to sleep regulation.
• Decreased messenger RNA levels suggested weakened inhibition of the arousal system, promoting wakefulness during dim light exposure.
• Changes in gene expressions indicated potential disruptions in pathways that induce sleep.

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