Insects' need for sleep may not be a daily consideration for humans, but like the rest of the creatures on this planet, insects require rest to function properly.
An interesting study from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom reveals that the most commonly used pesticides in the world interfere with the sleep of both bees and flies, causing insomnia. Some researchers believe that the harmful effects of neonicotinoid pesticides on the sleep patterns of bees and flies may partly explain the decline in pollinator populations worldwide. The study's lead author, Dr. Kiah Tasman, a teaching assistant in the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Bristol, stated, "The neonicotinoid compounds we tested had a significant impact on the amount of sleep that both flies and bees experience." When exposed to similar amounts of these pesticides as found in farms where they are used, the insects sleep less, disrupting their daily behavioral rhythms, which may affect their natural synchronization with the regular 24-hour day and night cycle.
After examining the impact of this pesticide on insect brains, researchers also reported that the studied bees and flies had their memories completely wiped. In fact, it is well known that sleep is crucial for the formation of proper memory in humans, and the same seems to apply to these insects; when they do not sleep well, they also do not remember well. Co-author Dr. James Hodge, an associate professor of neuroscience, emphasized that the ability to perceive time is vital for knowing when to be awake and when to feed. It appears that these sedated insects are unable to sleep and are suffering from insomnia. Indeed, we know that good sleep is important for insects, just as it is for humans, to maintain their health and form lasting memories.
According to some researchers, the study concluded that bees and flies have similar structures in their brains, suggesting that one reason why these common pesticides are detrimental to bees is that they prevent bees from sleeping properly and affect their ability to locate food in their environment. It is noteworthy that the use of neonicotinoid pesticides is currently banned in the European Union.
