Differences in resting-state theta power predicts vulnerability in alertness during prolonged wakefulness

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sleep Science
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Prolonged wakefulness is a common societal issue, leading to sleep loss.
• Individual differences in vulnerability to sleep loss are known, but neural correlates are unclear.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for managing cognitive performance during extended wakefulness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate individual differences in alertness changes during overnight wakefulness.
• To explore the resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) spectral signatures associated with sleep loss vulnerability.
• To identify potential neural predictors of vulnerability to prolonged wakefulness.

Main Methods:

• Forty-five participants underwent overnight wakefulness (22:00–06:00) in a controlled laboratory setting.
• Participants completed subjective ratings, psychomotor vigilance tasks (PVT), and resting-state EEG recordings every 2 hours.
• Individuals were categorized as vulnerable or resilient based on overnight PVT performance changes.

Main Results:

• Vulnerable individuals showed significantly larger variations in frontal theta power during wakefulness.
• Resilient individuals exhibited more stable resting-state EEG activity throughout the night.
• Higher baseline parietal theta power was observed in vulnerable individuals, potentially predicting vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• Resting-state EEG spectral signatures, particularly frontal theta power variability, differentiate individuals vulnerable to sleep loss.
• Baseline parietal theta power may serve as a predictor for vulnerability to prolonged wakefulness.
• Further research with larger datasets is needed to validate these EEG markers and elucidate underlying mechanisms.