There may be certain conditions under which animals can forgo sleep without serious consequences, even though scientists have considered it an activity that is absolutely indispensible, new research suggests.

When flies are starved, they are able to stay awake for long periods of time without suffering the negative outcomes of sleep deprivation, including cognitive impairment, according to a study published online today (August 31) in PLoS Biology.

Read more: Hungry flies ok with less sleep - The Scientist - Magazine of the Life Sciences http://www.the-scientist.com/blog/display/57664/#ixzz0yJ756qXJ