In the search to better understand and treat sleep problems in humans scientists have turned to a group of unlikely creatures: fish.

Fish are not often thought of as animals that spend much, if any, time sleeping but like all animals they need their share of "shut eye" to stay healthy. Research has discovered that fish can suffer from insomnia just like people can, and that this is often due to a genetic difference in the brain. Experts are hopeful that this discovery will lead to a better understanding of how genetics affects our sleep patterns and problems, although as we hear so often: more research is necessary.