The Median Preoptic Nucleus is a Key Site for Estradiol Regulation of Sleep-Wake Behaviors in Females Rats.

ABSTRACT:

Study objectives

Women experience more sleep disruptions than men, particularly during hormonal transitions such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. This study investigated the role of estradiol (E2) in regulating sleep-wake behavior in female rats and identified the brain regions involved.

Methods

Using an exogenous E2 replacement model in ovariectomized rats, we assessed changes in sleep-wake patterns via EEG/EMG telemetry. The effects of E2 and progesterone, selective estrogen receptor agonists, and direct brain infusions of E2 and receptor antagonists were evaluated.

Results

E2 administration increased wakefulness, reduced non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and decreased NREM slow-wave activity (SWA), predominantly during the dark

SUBMITTER: Kruk K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12637511 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature