I wonder if EEG patterns of activity, both during wakefulness or sleep phases, have an intrinsic genetic basis, and therefore are heritable.
Although the best person to answer this question is Dr. Tobler, I shall give it a try
http://www.mnf.uzh.ch/en/research/researchers/prof-dr-irene-tobler-borbely.html
Studies in rodents reveal that there is 3-4h difference between straines. However, when it comes to individuals, there is 'negligible' difference.
Please refer the following papers:
Franken P, Malafosse A, Tafti M. Genetic determinants of sleep regulation in inbred mice. Sleep. 1999 Mar 15;22(2):155-69.
Huber R, Deboer T, Tobler I. Effects of sleep deprivation on sleep and sleep EEG in three mouse strains: empirical data and simulations. Brain Res. 2000 Feb 28;857(1-2):8-19.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02156.x/abstract
Additionally,
With regards to reported sleep duration (total sleep/REM sleep) for individual species by some studies might not be very accurate. There are many confounds:
a. age of the animal could be different. younger animals tend to sleep more than older animals
b. animal sleep less in naturalistic habitat than in laboratory environment.
c. use of different strains of animals.
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