Title : Effects of sleep deprivation on alpha power
Abstract:
Sleep serves a vital restorative function, yet the precise mechanisms underlying brain activity during sleep deprivation remain unclear. Alpha waves (8-12 Hz), typically associated with relaxed wakefulness, also appear in various sleep stages, particularly during the transition from wakefulness to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. However, their role in sleep deprivation is still debated. This study examines how alpha activity changes under different levels of sleep deprivation and task presence – alpha power initially increases during mild sleep deprivation as the brain attempts to sustain cognitive alertness but later decreases with prolonged deprivation, reflecting cognitive disengagement and reduced vigilance, especially in task-absent conditions. Previous research presents conflicting findings, with some studies suggesting increased alpha activity helps maintain wakefulness, while others associate it with cognitive decline. Understanding these patterns is crucial, as alpha waves serve as key markers of cognitive processing and alertness. This study aims to clarify how alpha activity is affected by acute sleep loss (1-2 days), providing insights into its functional role during sleep deprivation.
