When closed, the channel shuts down and the fly sleeps. The insomniac fruit flies had less of the Sleepless-produced protein.

The lack of sleep didn't come without consequences. The Sleepless fruit flies lived about half as long as fruit flies that did not carry the mutation. They also experience impaired coordination and restlessness in their few hours of sleep.

some of the things they study! now we are compared to flies!!

investigators have long been puzzled about what controls the actual need for sleep.

Fatigue?

I think flies are simply a good role model for us humans.

I think you're right silk, we certainly need more good role models like that.