@article{fdi:010094355,
  title = {{B}ridging the gap between lab and field sleep studies : a proof-of-concept for studying wild rats in semi-captive environments},
  author = {{L}ibourel, {P}. {A}. and {A}rthaud, {S}. and {B}ergel, {A}. and {B}rescia, {F}. and {D}ib, {A}. and {M}assot, {B}. and {V}idal, {E}ric and {W}eiss, {W}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{S}leep is a vital and universal behavior distinct from mere inactivity, yet its ecological role remains poorly understood due to methodological limitations in recording sleep in the wild. {U}sing a small, low-power biologger, collecting brain activity, body movements, and physiology, we recorded key sleep parameters in wild black rats ({R}attus rattus) under semi-captive conditions. {W}e developed a rapid (<1 h) surgical procedure using a custom subdermal flexible electrode, providing signal quality comparable to standard cortical electrodes. {O}ur validated semi-captive setup allowed animals to remain in their natural environment with ad libitum food and social contact while minimizing interactions. {T}his protocol enables the study of sleep's ecological role and the influence of environmental factors on sleep expression, offering insights into its evolution. {A}dditionally, it can help clarify sleep's central role in the context of global environmental change. {B}y monitoring general behavior and sleep patterns in four wild rats for up to 10 days post-surgery, as well as feeding behavior for over a month, we observed no signs of pain or stress, with sleep patterns stabilizing within 2 days. {T}his approach provides a unique tool to assess sleep variability and flexibility, demonstrating its feasibility for studying sleep in small (<200 g) wild animals.},
  keywords = {sleep ; {NREM} sleep ; {REM} sleep ; electrophysiology ; black rat ; {R}attus rattus ; neurologger},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{S}leep {A}dvances},
  volume = {6},
  numero = {2},
  pages = {zpaf036 [12 p.]},
  year = {2025},
  DOI = {10.1093/sleepadvances/zpaf036},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010094355},
}