K-complexes are a sensitive marker of noise-related sensory processing during sleep: a pilot study

The primary aim of this study was to examine dose-response relationships between sound pressure levels (SPLs) and K-complex occurrence probability for wind farm and road traffic noise. A secondary aim was to compare K-complex dose-responses to manually scored electroencephalography arousals and awakenings.

Twenty-five participants underwent polysomnography recordings and noise exposure during sleep in a laboratory. Wind farm and road traffic noise recordings of 20-sec duration were played in random order at 6 SPLs between 33 and 48 dBA during established N2 or deeper sleep. Noise periods were separated with periods of 23 dBA background noise. K-complexes were scored using a validated algorithm. K-complex occurrence probability was compared between noise types controlling for noise SPL, subjective noise sensitivity, and measured hearing acuity.

Noise-induced K-complexes were observed in N2 sleep at SPLs as low as 33 dBA (Odds ratio, 33 dBA vs 23 dBA, mean (95% confidence interval); 1.75 (1.16, 2.66)) and increased with SPL. EEG arousals and awakenings were only associated with noise above 39 dBA in N2 sleep. K-complexes were 2 times more likely to occur in response to noise than EEG arousals or awakenings. Subjective noise sensitivity and hearing acuity were associated with the K-complex occurrence, but not arousal or awakening. Noise type did not detectably influence K-complexes, EEG arousals, or awakening responses.

These findings support that K-complexes are a sensitive marker of sensory processing of environmental noise during sleep and that increased hearing acuity and decreased self-reported noise sensitivity increase K-complex probability.