Torpor in insects

Sleep is a biologically cyclical episode of brain and body which may be referred to as a behavioural and corporeal condition characterized by change in alertness, decrease in sensitivity to extrinsic stimuli and regulation of homeostasis. Basically sleep is considered to be a key requisite for all organisms including insects. The term ‘Torpor’ is used to denote sleep in insects which is not exactly similar to that of sleep as in case of human beings but is a sleep-like state where the insects remain in a state of decreased physiological activities, reduced body temperature and metabolic rate. The circadian clock and sleep homeostasis are the vital mechanisms known to regulate torpor. However, more precise and minute observations are required for studying the sleep pattern of the insect brain to draw a logistic conclusion on this aspect, which needs further research.