Objective:Studies have linked lack of sleep to oxidative stress,which can lead to learning and memory impairments.The melatonin derivative agomelatine(AGO)has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.This study explored whether AGO can overcome oxidative stress and prevent cognitive dysfunction caused by sleep deprivation.Methods:Rapid eye movement sleep deprivation(REM-SD)model was prepared by multi-platform model induction.AGO was administered to REM-SD rats intragastrically.The spatial learning and memory ability of rats was detected by a novel object recognition test(NOR).The content of malondialdehyde(MDA)and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)in hippocampal tissue of rats were detected by commercial kits.Results:REM-SD severely impaired the ability of rats to recognize novel objects(P＜0.05),and AGO treatment prevented this effect.In addition,MDA increased in hippocampus induced by REM-SD,while SOD activity decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:REM-SD causes cognitive dysfunction in rats,and AGO treatment may prevent this impairment by normalizing the antioxidant stress mechanism in the hippocampus.