Trypanosomes may disrupt sleep by localizing in brain areas tied to circadian rhythms, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The presence of the parasite, rather than inflammation alone, plays a crucial role in these disturbances. Erin proposes an intriguing evolutionary angle: disrupted sleep might make hosts more vulnerable to tsetse flies, enhancing the parasite's transmission. This conversation opens the door to exploring further topics like narcolepsy and viviparous insects.
