Alpha activity in the human REM sleep EEG: topography and effect of REM sleep deprivation

The topographical distribution of alpha activity (8.125-11.125 Hz) in the R EM sleep EEG, its time course within and across REM sleep episodes, and the effects of selective REM sleep deprivation were investigated in 8 young ma les. Power spectra of bipolar derivations along the antero-posterior axis i n the left (F3C3, C3P3, P3O1) and right (F4C4, C4P4, P4O2) hemisphere were calculated. Alpha activity increased along the antero-posterior axis in bot h hemispheres, and was dominant in the right hemisphere. It decreased withi n and across REM sleep episodes. Selective REM sleep deprivation resulted i n a reduction of alpha activity in the REM sleep EEG. However, the topograp hical distribution and the time course were not affected. It is suggested t hat alpha activity in the REM sleep EEG is a marker of REM sleep homeostasi s. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.