Sex Differences in Sleep Phenotypes in the BACHD Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease.

Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are common features of Huntington's disease (HD). Using an animal model of HD and EEG measures of sleep, we found that the males were more vulnerable to sleep/wake architecture alterations and sleep fragmentation. Homeostatic recovery from sleep loss did not appear to be altered at this stage of the disease. These findings raise the possibility that sex-specific factors play a role in the HD symptom progression and that hormone-based treatments may have therapeutic utility.