Neurons Take Time Off During Deep Sleep
May 22, 2009
Apparently brain cells need vacations, too. According to a study published in Science, a prominent electronic signal sent out during slow-wave — or deep — sleep indicates neurons are taking a break. Researchers believe the downtime allows a person to sleep through non-threatening interruptions, such as sounds or touches. The study looked at sleep patterns in eight patients who previously had 24 microelectrodes implanted in each of their brains in order to detect epileptic seizures. Researchers used the microelectrodes to monitor activity in the deeper layers of the brain and discovered a signal, called a K-complex, that appeared while quiet sounds were played. Researchers believe K-complex signals are generated to quiet neuron activity when the brain deems a distraction harmless.
- Read the ScienceNews article.
- Learn about What Happens When You Sleep.
Copyright Notice: All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of the National Sleep Foundation. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. Links to Web sites other than those owned by the National Sleep Foundation are offered as a service to readers and the foundation is not responsible for their content. Click here to request permission.
Advertisement Notice: The National Sleep Foundation neither control nor endorse the advertisements, items or Websites featured in the advertisers links on our Web pages.
