Brain Activity Correlates With Cognitive Performance Deterioration During Sleep Deprivation

Abstract

We studied the correlation between oscillatory brain activity and performance in healthy subjects performing the error awareness task (EAT) every 2 h, for 24 h. In the EAT, subjects were shown on a screen the names of colors and were asked to press a key if the name of the color and the color it was shown in matched, and the screen was not a duplicate of the one before (“Go” trials). In the event of a duplicate screen (“Repeat No-Go” trial) or a color mismatch (“Stroop No-Go” trial), the subjects were asked to withhold from pressing the key. We assessed subjects’ (N = 10) response inhibition by measuring accuracy of the “Stroop No-Go” (SNGacc) and “Repeat No-Go” trials (RNGacc). We assessed their reactivity by measuring reaction time in the “Go” trials (GRT). Simultaneously, nine electroencephalographic (EEG) channels were recorded (Fp2, F7, F8, O1, Oz, Pz, O2, T7, and T8). The correlation between reactivity and response inhibition measures to brain activity was tested using quantitative measures of brain activity based on the relative power of gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta waves. In general, response inhibition and reactivity reached a steady level between 6 and 16 h of sleep deprivation, which was followed by sustained impairment after 18 h. Channels F7 and Fp2 had the highest correlation to the indices of performance. Measures of response inhibition (RNGacc and SNGacc) were correlated to the alpha and theta waves’ power for most of the channels, especially in the F7 channel (r = 0.82 and 0.84, respectively). The reactivity (GRT) exhibited the highest correlation to the power of gamma waves in channel Fp2 (0.76). We conclude that quantitative measures of EEG provide information that can help us to better understand changes in subjects’ performance and could be used as an indicator to prevent the adverse consequences of sleep deprivation.

Effects of a 20-min Nap after Sleep Deprivation on Brain Activity and Soccer Performance

“…It seems that taking a longer nap can be more effective than a short one to counteract the increase of homeostatic sleep pressure on EEG arousal [42]. Previous studies have reported the correlation between EEG topographical changes and cognitive performance deterioration following SD [13,14]. In line with previous findings, this study observed an increase in frontal delta and a decrease in parietal alpha together with a slower ART after 3 h of SD.…”

“…Immediately after the end of test, participants reported their RPE using the 6-20 Borg scale [33]. RPE values were classified according to the American College of Sports Medicine; very light ( < 9), light (9-11), moderate (12-13), vigorous (14)(15)(16)(17), and near maximal to maximal ( > 18).…”

“…(RT) and enhance delta, theta, alpha and beta EEG activity changes in specific brain areas. Lastly, Posada-Quintero et al [14] observed a correlation between brain activity and cognitive performance during 24 h of SD and suggested that EEG measurement can provide information to understand changes in subject performance after SD. To the authors' knowledge, no studies have investigated the possible association between brain activity, cognitive performance and sport-specific skills after partial SD, i.e.…”

Neurological Measurement of Human Trust in Automation Using Electroencephalogram

“…Alpha waves are related to meditation [16] and reducing stress and anxiety [17]. Beta waves are associated with conscious activities and can be used as guidelines for measuring the cognitive process [18]. Beta activity is important because it can enhance the levels of concentration, attention, emotional stability, and energy [19].…”

Decreased Functional Connectivity Between the Right Precuneus and Middle Frontal Gyrus Is Related to Attentional Decline Following Acute Sleep Deprivation

“…Short duration of sleep is significantly associated with increased mortality ( Itani et al, 2017 ), and SD has significant effects on body function. Some believe that SD influences higher brain functions, such as mood and working memory ( Krause et al, 2017 ; Krause Posada-Quintero et al, 2019 ), and basic brain functions, such as attention and alertness. SD is not simply a representation of SD and its associated functions; it is also a combination of many harmful factors, such as prolonged insomnia and lack of sleep ( Krause et al, 2017 ).…”