Hibernating Squirrels – 5.36am December 29th 2024

Recently, I saw an article speaking about hibernating squirrels. I haven’t read it completely yet, but it raised something that caught my eye. The author/s observed that whilst in hibernation, the squirrels little hand would retract away if being touched.

As it happens, when I am asleep, (a natural sleep) and while awake, if my fingertips are touched, even if very very lightly, that I am unaware of it, my fingers retract involuntarily. This actually gave me a clue as to the unusual disability I have.

I have studied myself somewhat and it’s my opinion that most or many of the animals that hibernate, have a greatly heightened response system. Having this allows them to safely sleep for such lengthy periods because their strengthened response system can easily run the necessary life support systems during their long sleep. The squirrels retracting fingers is the heightened response system detecting the touch, which could be a danger, and the little fingers involuntarily but instinctively, retract away away from it.

My response system is very heightened due to significant losses in what I refer to as the ‘initiate system’.

It’s a significant issue for Rett Syndrome I feel quite certain and in my opinion is a core function of the mecp2 gene. There are people with an affected mecp2 gene who are without disability and that, I believe, is due to their having another gene to perform the mecp2 functions in its place.

It could be a simple yet helpful study to see how many of those people who are affected by Mecp2 errors, if their fingers will retract whilst asleep and awake. It’s important though, that while awake, that the person isn’t aware. Perhaps while they are watching a favourite movie and casually, lightly brush fingertips.

Fiona MacLeod (C)