Objective:To investigate the expression of c-Fos protein after total and partial sleep deprivation(SD) of 96 hours.Methods:SD was induced in the male Sprague-Dawley rats by housing them on the small platforms over water.Controls were housed in the normal cage(CC) or on the large platforms over water(TC).The effects of total and partial 96h SD on the expression of c-Fos protein were examined by immunocytochemisty.Results:SD made Fos protein express differently in the different fields of the brain.The expression of Fos protein of partial SD was wider and lighter than of total SD.Conclusion:Compared with total SD,partial SD has lighter stress.