Sleep deprivation under sustained hypoxia protects against oxidative stress

► Rats were exposed to total sleep deprivation under sustained hypoxia (SDSH). ► SDSH increased nitric oxide (NO) production in the hippocampus. ► Increased total glutathione (GSHt) levels in the neocortex, brainstem and cerebellum. ► Decreased hippocampal lipid oxidation. ► Insomnia under hypoxia could be an adaptive response in preventing oxidative stress.