Effect of Sleep Loss on Executive Function and Baseline Corticosterone Levels in an Arctic-Breeding Songbird, the Lapland Longspur (Calcarius Lapponicus)

Authors

Brett Hodinka, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow

Publication Date

Summer 2019

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Noah T. Ashley (Director), Bruce A. Schulte, and Steve H. Huskey

Comments

This thesis has been updated by the author and published in the open access journal Hormones and Behavior. It can be viewed here:

• DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104764

Degree Program

Department of Biology

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Sleep is a fundamental and essential component of vertebrate life, although its exact function remains unknown. Animals that are deprived of sleep typically show reduced neurobiological performance, health, and in some cases, survival. However, a number of animals exhibit adaptations that permit them to carry out normal activities even when sleep is restricted or deprived. Lapland longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus), arctic-breeding passerine birds, exhibit around-the-clock activity during their short breeding season, with an inactive period of only 3–4 h/day (71°N). Whether these birds suffer behavioral and physiological costs associated with acute sleep loss (SL) is unknown. To assess the effects of SL, wild-caught male longspurs were placed in captivity (12L:12D) and trained for 2 months using a series of memory tests, including color association and spatial learning to assess executive function. Birds were then placed in automated sleep fragmentation cages that utilize a moving wire to force movement every 1 min (60 arousals/h) during 12D (inactive period) or control conditions (during 12L; active period). After a single round of SL (or control) treatment, color association and spatial learning tests were conducted. Baseline plasma corticosterone concentration, body mass, and satiety were also assessed. SL significantly elevated corticosterone levels and increased accuracy during the color association test, but not the overall time required to complete the test. SL had no effect upon spatial learning, body mass, or satiety. Taken together, these results suggest that Lapland longspurs exhibit a behavioral, but not a physiological, resilience to acute SL.

Disciplines

Behavior and Ethology | Biology | Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology | Endocrinology | Ornithology

Recommended Citation

Hodinka, Brett, "Effect of Sleep Loss on Executive Function and Baseline Corticosterone Levels in an Arctic-Breeding Songbird, the Lapland Longspur (Calcarius Lapponicus)" (2019). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 3130.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3130