We describe a sleep deprivation technique known as gentle handling where investigators gently prod mice any time sleep behavior is observed. This method is a powerful tool that allows researchers to study the effects that chronic sleep restriction throughout development can have on future brain physiology and behavior.
Lemons, A., Saré, R. M., Beebe Smith, C. Chronic Sleep Deprivation in Mouse Pups by Means of Gentle Handling. J. Vis. Exp. (140), e58150, doi:10.3791/58150 (2018).