scholarly journals Sleep Spindles and Intellectual Ability: Epiphenomenon or Directly Related?

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuo Fang ◽  
Valya Sergeeva ◽  
Laura B. Ray ◽  
Jeremy Viczko ◽  
Adrian M. Owen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movement ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Intelligence Quotient ◽  
Biological Marker ◽  
Human Intelligence ◽  
Sleep Spindles ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Reasoning Abilities ◽  
Sleep Maintenance ◽  
The Relationship

Sleep spindles—short, phasic, oscillatory bursts of activity that characterize non-rapid eye movement sleep—are one of the only electrophysiological oscillations identified as a biological marker of human intelligence (e.g., cognitive abilities commonly assessed using intelligence quotient tests). However, spindles are also important for sleep maintenance and are modulated by circadian factors. Thus, the possibility remains that the relationship between spindles and intelligence quotient may be an epiphenomenon of a putative relationship between good quality sleep and cognitive ability or perhaps modulated by circadian factors such as morningness–eveningness tendencies. We sought to ascertain whether spindles are directly or indirectly related to cognitive abilities using mediation analysis. Here, we show that fast (13.5–16 Hz) parietal but not slow (11–13.5 Hz) frontal spindles in both non-rapid eye movement stage 2 sleep and slow wave sleep are directly related to reasoning abilities (i.e., cognitive abilities that support “fluid intelligence,” such as the capacity to identify complex patterns and relationships and the use of logic to solve novel problems) but not verbal abilities (i.e., cognitive abilities that support “crystalized intelligence”; accumulated knowledge and experience) or cognitive abilities that support STM (i.e., the capacity to briefly maintain information in an available state). The relationship between fast spindles and reasoning abilities is independent of the indicators of sleep maintenance and circadian chronotype, thus suggesting that spindles are indeed a biological marker of cognitive abilities and can serve as a window to further explore the physiological and biological substrates that give rise to human intelligence.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Daily Rapid-Eye Movement Sleep and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 159-159
Author(s):  
Tiana Broen ◽  
Tomiko Yoneda ◽  
Jonathan Rush ◽  
Jamie Knight ◽  
Nathan Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Eye Movement ◽  
Rem Sleep ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Previous cross-sectional research suggests that age-related decreases in Rapid-Eye Movement (REM) sleep may contribute to poorer cognitive functioning (CF); however, few studies have examined the relationship at the intraindividual level by measuring habitual sleep over multiple days. Applying a 14-day daily diary design, the current study examines the dynamic relationship between REM sleep and CF in 69 healthy older adults (M age=70.8 years, SD=3.37; 73.9% female; 66.6% completed at least an undergraduate degree). A Fitbit device provided actigraphy indices of REM sleep (minutes and percentage of total sleep time), while CF was measured four times daily on a smartphone via ambulatory cognitive tests that captured processing speed and working memory. This research addressed the following questions: At the within-person level, are fluctuations in quantity of REM sleep associated with fluctuations in next day cognitive measures across days? Do individuals who spend more time in REM sleep on average, perform better on cognitive tests than adults who spend less time in REM sleep? A series of multilevel models were fit to examine the extent to which each index of sleep accounted for daily fluctuations in performance on next day cognitive tests. Results indicated that during nights when individuals had more REM sleep minutes than was typical, they performed better on the working memory task the next morning (estimate = -.003, SE = .002, p = .02). These results highlight the impact of REM sleep on CF, and further research may allow for targeted interventions for earlier treatment of sleep-related cognitive impairment.

Abstract P417: Relationship Between Blood Pressure Variability and Sleep Architecture

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyue Liu ◽  
Jeongok G Logan ◽  
Younghoon Kwon ◽  
Jennifer Lobo ◽  
Hyojung Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Eye Movement ◽  
Rem Sleep ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Sleep Architecture ◽  
Sleep Stages ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Sleep Studies ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) is a novel marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of high BP. Sleep architecture represents the structured pattern of sleep stages consisting of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM), and it is an important element in the homeostatic regulation of sleep. Currently, little is known regarding whether BPV is linked to sleep stages. Our study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep architecture and BPV. Methods: We analyzed in-lab polysomnographic studies collected from individuals who underwent diagnostic sleep studies at a university hospital from 2010 to 2017. BP measures obtained during one year prior to the sleep studies were included. BPV was computed using the coefficient of variation for all individuals who had three or more systolic and diastolic BP data. We conducted linear regression analysis to assess the relationship of systolic BPV (SBPV) and diastolic BPV (DBPV) with the sleep stage distribution (REM and NREM sleep time), respectively. Covariates that can potentially confound the relationships were adjusted in the models, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, total sleep time, apnea-hypopnea index, mean BP, and history of medication use (antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihypertensives) during the past two years before the sleep studies. Results: Our sample (N=3,565; male = 1,353) was racially and ethnically diverse, with a mean age 54 ± 15 years and a mean BP of 131/76 ± 13.9/8.4 mmHg. Among the sleep architecture measures examined, SBPV showed an inverse relationship with REM sleep time after controlling for all covariates ( p = .033). We subsequently categorized SBPV into four quartiles and found that the 3 rd quartile (mean SBP SD = 14.9 ± 2.1 mmHg) had 3.3 fewer minutes in REM sleep compared to the 1 st quartile ( p = .02). However, we did not observe any relationship between DBPV and sleep architecture. Conclusion: Greater SBPV was associated with lower REM sleep time. This finding suggests a possible interplay between BPV and sleep architecture. Future investigation is warranted to clarify the directionality, mechanism, and therapeutic implications.

scholarly journals Nonrapid eye movement sleep electroencephalographic oscillations in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: a study of sleep spindles and slow oscillations

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-Sang Sunwoo ◽  
Kwang Su Cha ◽  
Jung-Ick Byun ◽  
Jin-Sun Jun ◽  
Tae-Joon Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movement ◽  
Rem Sleep ◽  
Rem Sleep Behavior Disorder ◽  
Behavior Disorder ◽  
Nrem Sleep ◽  
Sleep Spindles ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Sleep Behavior ◽  
Slow Oscillations ◽  
Lower Amplitude

Abstract Study Objectives We investigated electroencephalographic (EEG) slow oscillations (SOs), sleep spindles (SSs), and their temporal coordination during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). Methods We analyzed 16 patients with video-polysomnography-confirmed iRBD (age, 65.4 ± 6.6 years; male, 87.5%) and 10 controls (age, 62.3 ± 7.5 years; male, 70%). SSs and SOs were automatically detected during stage N2 and N3. We analyzed their characteristics, including density, frequency, duration, and amplitude. We additionally identified SO-locked spindles and examined their phase distribution and phase locking with the corresponding SO. For inter-group comparisons, we used the independent samples t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, as appropriate. Results The SOs of iRBD patients had significantly lower amplitude, longer duration (p = 0.005 for both), and shallower slope (p < 0.001) than those of controls. The SS power of iRBD patients was significantly lower than that of controls (p = 0.002), although spindle density did not differ significantly. Furthermore, SO-locked spindles of iRBD patients prematurely occurred during the down-to-up-state transition of SOs, whereas those of controls occurred at the up-state peak of SOs (p = 0.009). The phase of SO-locked spindles showed a positive correlation with delayed recall subscores (p = 0.005) but not with tonic or phasic electromyography activity during REM sleep. Conclusions In this study, we found abnormal EEG oscillations during NREM sleep in patients with iRBD. The impaired temporal coupling between SOs and SSs may reflect early neurodegenerative changes in iRBD.

scholarly journals Clinical and video-polysomnographic analysis of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and other sleep disturbances in dementia with Lewy bodies

SLEEP ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Fernández-Arcos ◽  
Estrella Morenas-Rodríguez ◽  
Joan Santamaria ◽  
Raquel Sánchez-Valle ◽  
Albert Lladó ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movement ◽  
Rem Sleep ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Dementia With Lewy Bodies ◽  
Lewy Bodies ◽  
Behavior Disorder ◽  
Sleep Spindles ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Sleep Behavior

Abstract Objective The main objective of this study was to study rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and other sleep disorders in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Methods Consecutive patients with DLB and mild dementia severity were recruited irrespective of sleep complaints. Patients underwent clinical interview, assessment of sleep scales, and video-polysomnography (V-PSG). RBD was diagnosed with V-PSG based on electromyographic and audiovisual analysis. Results Thirty-five patients (65.7% men; mean age 77.7 ± 6.1 years) were evaluated. Poor sleep quality (54.3%), hypersomnia (37.1%), snoring (60%), and abnormal nocturnal behaviors (77.1%) were reported. Sleep–wake architecture abnormalities occurred in 75% patients and consisted of occipital slowing on awake electroencephalography (EEG; 34.4%), the absence of sleep spindles and K complexes (12.9%), slow frequency sleep spindles (12.9%), delta activity in REM sleep (19.2%), and REM sleep without atonia (44%). Three patients showed hallucinatory-like behaviors and 10 patients showed abnormal behaviors during arousals mimicking RBD. RBD was diagnosed in 50% of those patients in whom sufficient REM sleep was attained. Of these, 72.7% were not aware of displaying dream-enacting behaviors and in 63.7% RBD preceded the onset of cognitive impairment. For RBD diagnosis, the sensitivity of Mayo Sleep Questionnaire was 50%, specificity was 66.7%, positive predictive value was 83.3%, and negative predictive value was 28%. False-positive RBD cases according to clinical history had hallucinatory-like behaviors, severe obstructive sleep apnea, and prominent periodic limb movements in sleep. Occipital EEG frequency while awake and rate of electromyographic activity in REM sleep were negatively correlated, suggesting a common subcortical origin. Conclusion In DLB, RBD and sleep–wake disorders are common, heterogeneous, and complex, challenging their identification without performing V-PSG.

scholarly journals Effects of oral temazepam on sleep spindles during non-rapid eye movement sleep: A high-density EEG investigation

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 1600-1610 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.T. Plante ◽  
M.R. Goldstein ◽  
J.D. Cook ◽  
R. Smith ◽  
B.A. Riedner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movement ◽  
High Density ◽  
Sleep Spindles ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep

scholarly journals Contribution of REM sleep and N2 sleep spindles to procedural memory consolidation in Vipassana meditators and non-meditating controls.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizaveta Solomonova ◽  
Simon Dubé ◽  
Cloé Blanchette-Carrière ◽  
Arnaud Samson-Richer ◽  
Michelle Carr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movement ◽  
Rem Sleep ◽  
Memory Consolidation ◽  
Nrem Sleep ◽  
Procedural Memory ◽  
Sleep Stages ◽  
Sleep Spindles ◽  
Meditation Practice ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Vipassana Meditation

Study objectives: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and sleep spindles are all implicated in the consolidation of procedural memories. The relative contributions of sleep stages and sleep spindles was previously shown to depend on individual differences in task processing. Experience with Vipassana meditation is one such individual difference that has not been investigated in relation to sleep. Vipassana meditation is a form of mental training that enhances proprioceptive and somatic awareness and alters attentional style. The goal was thus to examine a potential moderating role for Vipassana meditation experience on sleep-dependent procedural memory consolidation.Methods: Groups of Vipassana meditation practitioners (N=20) and matched meditation-naïve controls (N=20) slept for a single daytime nap in the laboratory. Before and after the nap they completed a procedural task on the Wii Fit balance platform.Results: Meditators performed slightly better on the task before the nap, but the two groups improved similarly after sleep. The groups showed different patterns of sleep-dependent procedural memory consolidation: in meditators task learning was negatively correlated with density of fast and positively correlated with density of slow occipital spindles, while in controls task improvement was associated with increases in REM sleep. Meditation practitioners had a lower density of sleep spindles, especially in occipital regions.Conclusions: Results suggest that neuroplastic changes associated with sustained meditation practice may alter overall sleep architecture and reorganize sleep-dependent patterns of memory consolidation. The lower density of spindles in meditators may mean that meditation practice compensates for some of the memory functions of sleep.

scholarly journals Sleep spindles are resilient to extensive white matter deterioration

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erlan Sanchez ◽  
Caroline Arbour ◽  
Héjar El-Khatib ◽  
Karine Marcotte ◽  
Hélène Blais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Eye Movement ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sleep Spindles ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Sleep Spindle ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep ◽  
Brain Injured ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Sleep spindles are an essential part of non-rapid eye movement sleep, notably involved in sleep consolidation, cognition, learning and memory. These oscillatory waves depend on an interaction loop between the thalamus and the cortex, which relies on a structural backbone of thalamo-cortical white matter tracts. It is still largely unknown if the brain can properly produce sleep spindles when it underwent extensive white matter deterioration in these tracts, and we hypothesized that it would affect sleep spindle generation and morphology. We tested this hypothesis with chronic moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (n = 23; 30.5 ± 11.1 years old; 17 m/6f), a unique human model of extensive white matter deterioration, and a healthy control group (n = 27; 30.3 ± 13.4 years old; 21m/6f). Sleep spindles were analysed on a full night of polysomnography over the frontal, central and parietal brain regions, and we measured their density, morphology and sigma-band power. White matter deterioration was quantified using diffusion-weighted MRI, with which we performed both whole-brain voxel-wise analysis (Tract-Based Spatial Statistics) and probabilistic tractography (with High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging) to target the thalamo-cortical tracts. Group differences were assessed for all variables and correlations were performed separately in each group, corrected for age and multiple comparisons. Surprisingly, although extensive white matter damage across the brain including all thalamo-cortical tracts was evident in the brain-injured group, sleep spindles remained completely undisrupted when compared to a healthy control group. In addition, almost all sleep spindle characteristics were not associated with the degree of white matter deterioration in the brain-injured group, except that more white matter deterioration correlated with lower spindle frequency over the frontal regions. This study highlights the resilience of sleep spindles to the deterioration of all white matter tracts critical to their existence, as they conserve normal density during non-rapid eye movement sleep with mostly unaltered morphology. We show that even with such a severe traumatic event, the brain has the ability to adapt or to withstand alterations in order to conserve normal sleep spindles.

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