The effect of sleep fragmentation on cognitive processing using computerized topographic brain mapping

Citation
Rn. Kingshott et al., The effect of sleep fragmentation on cognitive processing using computerized topographic brain mapping, J SLEEP RES, 9(4), 2000, pp. 353-357
Citations number
31
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
ISSN journal
09621105 → ACNP
Volume
9
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
353 - 357
Database
ISI
SICI code
0962-1105(200012)9:4<353:TEOSFO>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
Topographic brain mapping of evoked potentials can be used to localize abno rmalities of cortical function. We evaluated the effect of sleep fragmentat ion on brain function by measuring the visual P300 waveform using brain map ping. Eight normal subjects (Epworth Score +/- SD: 5 +/- 3) underwent tone- induced sleep fragmentation and undisturbed study nights in a randomized cr oss-over design. Study nights were followed by topographic brain mapping us ing a visual information processing test and concurrent event-related poten tials. Experimental sleep fragmentation did not significantly increase obje ctive daytime sleepiness or lower cognitive performance on a battery of cog nitive function tests (all P greater than or equal to 0.1). There were no s ignificant topographical delays in P300 latencies with sleep fragmentation (all P > 0.15). However, at sites Fz, F4, T3, C3, Cz and C4 the P300 amplit udes were reduced significantly after sleep fragmentation (all P < 0.05). A reduction in P300 amplitude has previously been interpreted as a decrease in attention. These reductions in P300 amplitudes with sleep fragmentation in frontal, central and temporal brain areas suggest that sleep fragmentati on may cause a broad decrease in attention. Sleep fragmentation did not del ay P300 latencies in any brain area, and so does not explain the delay in P 300 latencies reported in sleep apnoeics.