Grooming analysis algorithm: Use in the relationship between sleep deprivation and anxiety-like behavior

Increased anxiety is a classic effect of sleep deprivation. However, results regarding sleep deprivation-induced anxiety-like behavior are contradictory in rodent models. The grooming analysis algorithm is a method developed to examine anxiety-like behavior and stress in rodents, based on grooming characteristics and microstructure. This study evaluated the applicability of the grooming analysis algorithm to distinguish sleep-deprived and control rats in comparison to traditional grooming analysis. Forty-six animals were distributed into three groups: control (n = 22), paradoxical sleep-deprived (96 h, n = 10) and total sleep deprived (6 h, n = 14). Immediately after the sleep deprivation protocol, grooming was evaluated using both the grooming analysis algorithm and traditional measures (grooming latency, frequency and duration). Results showed that both paradoxical sleep-deprived and total sleep-deprived groups displayed grooming in a fragmented framework when compared to control animals. Variables from the grooming analysis algorithm were successful in distinguishing sleep-deprived and normal sleep animals regarding anxiety-like behavior. The grooming analysis algorithm and traditional measures were strongly correlated. In conclusion, the grooming analysis algorithm is a reliable method to assess the relationship between anxiety-like behavior and sleep deprivation.

► Increased anxiety is a well reported behavioral consequence of sleep deprivation. ► Most animal models are not able to reproduce human sleep deprivation-induced anxiety. ► The grooming analysis algorithm is a reliable tool for assessing anxiety in rodents. ► This method has not been tested on sleep deprivation paradigms. ► Our results demonstrate the reliability of this method in sleep deprivation.