REM sleep deprivation-induced circadian clock gene abnormalities participate in hippocampal-dependent memory impairment by enhancing inflammation in rats undergoing sevoflurane inhalation.

•Sleep deprivation impairs memory and prolongs recovery after sevoflurane inhalation.•Sleep deprivation induces hippocampal clock gene expression abnormalities.•Sleep deprivation raises hippocampal inflammatory levels via astrocytic activation.•Sleep deprivation harms hippocampal neuron morphology after sevoflurane inhalation.