EEG alpha power and alpha power asymmetry in sleep and wakefulness

Author(s): Obermeyer, W. H., Larson, C. L., Yun, B., Dolski, I., Kleist, K. D., Weber, S. M., Davidson, R. J.

Journal/Book: Psychophysiology. 1999; 36: 40 West 20Th Street, New York, NY 10011-4211, USA. Cambridge Univ Press. 430-436.

Abstract: Asymmetry of waking electroencephalography (EEC) alpha power in frontal regions has been correlated with waking emotional reactivity and the emotional content of dream reports. Little is known regarding alpha asymmetry during sleep. The present study was performed to compare alpha power and alpha power asymmetry in various brain regions across states of sleep and wakefulness. Waking and sleep EEG were recorded in a group of patients undergoing polysomnographic evaluation for possible sleep disorders. Alpha EEG asymmetry in frontal and temporal regions was significantly correlated in waking versus sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These results suggest that patterns of frontal alpha asymmetry are stable across sleep and waking and may be related to emotional reactivity during dreaming. During sleep, alpha power was highest during slow-wave sleep and lowest during REM sleep. Implications of these data for understanding the functional significance of alpha power during waking and sleeping are considered.

Note: Article Benca RM, Wisconsin Psychiat Inst & Clin, Dept Psychiat, 6001 Res Pk Blvd, Madison,WI 53719 USA

Keyword(s): electroencephalography; alpha; sleep; REM sleep; human; CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW; EYE-MOVEMENT SLEEP; FRONTAL BRAIN ASYMMETRY; SLOW-WAVE SLEEP; FUNCTIONAL NEUROANATOMY; BIOLOGICAL SUBSTRATE; NREM SLEEP; REM; METABOLISM; PATTERN

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