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Scientist emphasizes important role of cats in the study of slow sleep

Evgeny Verbitsky also pointed out that scientists involve rabbits in their experiments

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. The stages of deep and light sleep in cats have distinct boundaries, making these animals valuable participants in research aimed at understanding sleep disorders in humans, Evgeny Verbitsky, the sleep researcher and chief researcher at the Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said at the "Sleep-2025" forum.

"Cats are an excellent subject for sleep studies. Because it is on them that slow-wave or slow sleep can be differentiated into two levels based on electrophysiological characteristics: light and deep slow sleep, and, of course, identify rapid eye movement (REM) sleep," said Verbitsky.

He also pointed out that scientists involve rabbits in their experiments. Such studies have helped investigate the effects of the absence of slow sleep on protein metabolism.

"[Without slow sleep in cats], the secretion of hormones and protein production were hindered. This resulted in challenges in generating new proteins essential for the body. These include not only regulatory proteins and enzymes but also other proteins. […] The human body generates around 10 liters of mucus daily, which is vital for coating the mucous membranes of the intestines, nasopharynx, and other body parts. Without it, the body cannot operate properly. A significant portion of this mucus consists of the protein leucine, and a considerable amount of it is produced during sleep," he explained.

The 12th International Scientific and Practical Forum "Sleep-2025" is taking place from March 13 to 15 at the Medical Scientific and Educational Institute of Moscow State University. This is the main annual event of the National Sleep Society, where issues related to the research, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disorders are discussed. More than 1,000 specialists, including scientists, doctors, and business representatives, are expected to participate.

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