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Cognitive activity in sleep and responsiveness to external stimuli
S A Burton1, J R Harsh, P Badia
1Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg.
Sleep
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Cognitive activity during sleep reduces responsiveness to external stimuli. This effect is specifically linked to incorporating auditory stimuli and responses, not just general cognitive engagement.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Sleep Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Reduced responsiveness to external stimuli is a hallmark of sleep.
- The role of ongoing cognitive activity in modulating this responsiveness remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive activity during sleep and auditory stimulus responsiveness.
- To determine if cognitive incorporation of stimuli influences response likelihood.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen women received auditory stimuli during Stage 2 and REM sleep.
- Participants attempted to suppress stimuli by breathing.
- Awakenings assessed cognitive activity and response to stimuli.
Main Results:
- Fewer responses occurred during trials with reported cognitive activity versus no cognitive activity.
- Incorporation of stimuli/responses was associated with reduced responsiveness.
- No difference in responsiveness between non-incorporation and no-cognitive-activity trials was observed.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive activity during sleep, particularly when involving stimulus incorporation, significantly reduces responsiveness.
- These findings support cognitive activity as a key factor in sleep-related hyporesponsiveness.
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