The Therapeutic Effects of Hydrogen Rich Water (HRW) Treatment on Sleep-Related Disorders in Mice

Abstract:

As modern digital advances challenge our basic ecological niche, and we identify numerous chronic conditions related to disrupted sleep, there is an increased need for therapeutics that can improve sleep or resolve the consequences of sleep loss. Over the last decade, hydrogen rich water (HRW) has gained attention as a promising therapeutic with a wide range of benefits, including the regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and modulation of insulin sensitivity in mice. HRW is sufficient to significantly reduce dopaminergic cell loss in a rodent model of Parkinson’s Disease, a neurodegenerative condition intimately associated with sleep disorders. These reports suggest that HRW may be sufficient to alter sleep behaviors. We hypothesize that HRW treatment has an affect on sleep-recovery in mice and alters the response to sleep-dependant disorders. To evaluate the effects of HRW on sleep, mice received oral administration of HRW, and sleep behavior was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) electrodes in undisturbed and sleep deprived conditions. A positive correlation between HRW treatment and phenotypic changes in sleep behavior instigate HRW as a practical therapeutic for sleep-related disorders. A further investigation on the effects of HRW on decision making and memory consolidation in the context of sleep-altered behavior could further illustrate the use of HRW as a therapeutic in sleep-recovery.