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Shared EEG correlates between non-REM parasomnia experiences and dreams
Jacinthe Cataldi1,2, Aurélie M Stephan1,2,3, José Haba-Rubio1
1Center for Investigation and Research on Sleep, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Nature Communications
|May 9, 2024
Summary
Sleepwalking (parasomnia) experiences with consciousness and recall are linked to specific brain activity patterns during non-rapid eye movement sleep. These electroencephalography (EEG) findings suggest shared physiological processes with dreaming.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Science
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Sleepwalking and related parasomnias arise from incomplete awakenings during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
- These episodes can manifest with or without conscious awareness and recollection, or involve dream-like experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electroencephalography (EEG) correlates differentiating conscious parasomnia experiences from those without.
- To identify EEG markers associated with the recall of parasomnia episodes.
Main Methods:
- High-density electroencephalography (EEG) was used to record parasomnia episodes.
- Participants were interviewed immediately after episodes to assess consciousness and recall.
- EEG data were analyzed for correlations with reported experiences.
Main Results:
- Conscious parasomnia experiences (56%) were preceded by anterior cortical slow waves and posterior cortical activation, resembling EEG patterns of dreaming.
- Recall of parasomnia content (56%) was associated with increased right medial temporal EEG activation before episode onset.
- No conscious experience was reported in 19% of episodes, and no recall in 25%.
Conclusions:
- The EEG signatures of conscious parasomnia experiences are similar to those observed during dreaming.
- These findings suggest that parasomnias may involve core physiological mechanisms underlying sleep consciousness.
- Understanding these EEG patterns offers insights into the neurobiology of sleep mentation.
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