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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
Published on: June 19, 2019
Cerebral modulation of circadian sleep-wake rhythms
James E Jan1, Urs Ribary, Peter K H Wong
1Diagnostic Neurophysiology, British Columbia Children's Hospital, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada. jjan@cw.bc.ca
Abstract:
The objective of this prospective observational study was to assess the association between dysrhythmia of EEG background (disturbance of cerebral connectivity) and sleep difficulties. Sixty children, aged 4 to 12 years, participated. Hospital records were reviewed, and sleep histories were obtained by interviewing the parents. EEGs of 39 subjects were normal, showed epileptiform activity, and/or mild to moderate background dysrhythmia. Severe unilateral dysrhythmia was noted in 6 and bilaterally in 15 EEGs, with all 15 children having profound neurodevelopmental disabilities and 14 of these 15 having long-standing severe chaotic sleep/wake patterns. Thus, there was a highly significant association between EEG evidence of severe bilateral dysrhythmia and chronic sleep/wake dysregulation. Unilateral dysrhythmia was not associated with sleep difficulties. This study delineates a specific sleep disorder in a group of children with marked neurodevelopmental disabilities and offers insight into how disturbed cerebral connectivity impacts the thalamocortical dynamics relating to neurodevelopmental disabilities, sleep, and melatonin production.
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