Sleep and EEG spectra in rats recorded via telemetry during surgical recovery

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine sleep and EEG spectra in rats during surgical recovery. DESIGN: Sleep, activity, and EEG spectral power were examined in rats via telemetry on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 15 after implantation surgery. RESULTS: NREM sleep and total sleep were increased on days 1 and 2 compared to later days. REM sleep was decreased on days 2 and 3 compared to days 14 and 15, and activity was decreased on days 1 and 2 compared to later days. EEG power (0.5-5 Hz for NREM and wakefulness, and 5.5-10 Hz for REM and wakefulness) was increased on days 1-3 compared to days 7, 14, and 15. CONCLUSION: The results are discussed in terms of their implications for post-surgery stabilization of sleep and potential relevance for sleep after injury.