Correlation between oscillations in ventilation and frequency content of the electroencephalogram

Periodicities of ventilation are common in elderly subjects during stage 1/2 sleep. The mechanism producing these periodicities is unknown. We hypothesized that the oscillations in ventilation might be related to oscillations in sleep state. To address this hypothesis, we examined, using cross correlation, the relationship between the oscillations in ventilation and parameters (alpha power, mean frequency) derived from spectral analysis of the electroencephalogram. In wakefulness, although ventilation and mean frequency, and ventilation and alpha power, were related, there were no consistent patterns to these relationships. Both positive and negative correlations were found. Clearer relationships were found in stage 1/2 sleep. Correlation between mean frequency and ventilation was the most consistent. All correlations were positive; i.e., ventilation fell as mean frequency fell. The maximum correlation occurred at zero lag between the time series. Thus these oscillations are synchronous within the time resolution of our methodology. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that the initiation of apnea in stage 1/2 sleep is related to a reduction in the state-dependent input to the ventilatory control system.