Technical advances in the characterization of the complexity of sleep and sleep disorders

Abstract

The current clinical standard for quantifying sleep physiology is the laboratory polysomnogram, from which basic sleep-wake stages are determined. However, the complexity of sleep physiology has inspired alternative metrics that are providing additional insights into the rich dynamics of sleep. Electro-encephalography, magneto-encephalography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging represent advanced imaging modalities for understanding brain dynamics. These methods are complemented by autonomic measurements that provide additional important insights. We review here the spectrum of approaches that have been leveraged towards improved understanding of the complexity of sleep.

Keywords: AASM; Actigraphy; American Academy of Sleep Medicine; Autonomic; Cardiopulmonary coupling; Complex system; EEG; EKG; EMG; EOG; GABA; Hypnogram; N1; N2; N3; NREM; Polysomnography; REM; Sleep; electro-oculogram; electrocardiogram; electroencephalogram; electromyogram; first NREM stage; gamma amino butyric acid; non-rapid eye movement; rapid eye movement; second NREM stage; third NREM stage.