Power Density in Theta/Alpha Frequencies of the Waking EEG Progressively Increases During Sustained Wakefulness

SLEEPPublished 1 December 1995Open access

Christian Cajochen, Daniel P. Brunner, Kurt Kräuchi, Peter Graw, Anna Wirz‐Justice

DOI10.1093/sleep/18.10.890

Source URL

Citations348

SJR quartileQ1

SJR score1.80

SNIP1.63

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TL;DR

Fatigue ratings and the theta/ alpha power density of the waking EEG recorded at the same four time points during the constant routine protocol correlated significantly, demonstrating the presence of a homeostatic component in the control of EEG power density in the 6.25- to 9.0-Hz range.

Abstract

Electroencephalogram (EEG) power density and self-rated fatigue were assessed in nine healthy women during a 40-hour period of sustained wakefulness under constant behavioral and environmental conditions (constant routine protocol). Waking EEG recordings were performed for 4 minutes after 3, 10, 27 and 34 hours of prior wakefulness. EEG power density in the 6.25- to 9.0-Hz frequency range progressively increased across the four recordings, suggesting an endogenous homeostatic component in the regulation of the theta/alpha frequencies under constant conditions. Subjective fatigue also exhibited an increasing component in the course of the constant routine protocol, with a clear circadian modulation. Fatigue ratings and the theta/ alpha power density of the waking EEG recorded at the same four time points during the constant routine protocol correlated significantly. Our data demonstrate the presence of a homeostatic component in the control of EEG power density in the 6.25- to 9.0-Hz range.

Keywords

MedicineNeuroscience

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