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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
11:50
EEG Mu Rhythm in Typical and Atypical Development
Published on: April 9, 2014
Insecure attachment is associated with the alpha-EEG anomaly during sleep
Eileen P Sloan1, Robert G Maunder, Jonathan J Hunter
1Integrated Medicine Project, Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. esloan@mtsinai.on.ca
Biopsychosocial Medicine
|November 3, 2007
Summary
Attachment anxiety is linked to alpha-EEG anomalies during sleep, suggesting a connection between interpersonal styles and sleep physiology. This finding may offer new insights into sleep disorders and their psychological underpinnings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- The alpha-EEG anomaly during sleep is observed in various conditions and may be a nonspecific response to stimuli.
- Attachment insecurity, linked to hypervigilance, is hypothesized to associate with the alpha-EEG anomaly during sleep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between attachment insecurity and the presence of alpha-EEG anomalies during sleep.
Main Methods:
- Polysomnographic recordings were conducted on 31 patients with sleep complaints.
- Alpha activity in polysomnographs was visually scored.
- Attachment insecurity was assessed using the Experience in Close Relationships - Revised questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Attachment anxiety showed a significant association with the proportion of sleep exhibiting alpha waves (p = 0.03).
- This relationship was independent of sleep/mood diagnoses, medications, anxiety, or depression symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Interpersonal attachment styles may influence sleep physiology.
- Further research is needed to explore the complex interplay between attachment, sleep, and factors like personal adversity.
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