Dynamics of the human EEG during prolonged wakefulness: evidence for frequency-specific circadian and homeostatic influences
Abstract
The electroencephalogram (EEG) of nine healthy individuals was recorded at half-hourly intervals during approximately 40 h of sustained wakefulness in a constant routine protocol. EEG power density in the 0.75-9.0 Hz range exhibited a global increasing trend, and a local trough in the evening, centered approximately 6 h prior to the temperature minimum. The former could be attributed to a wake-dependent influence, and the latter to a circadian influence. Power density in the 9.25-12.0 Hz band showed a circadian modulation, the trough coinciding with the minimum of the endogenous rhythm of body temperature, whereas a wake-dependent influence was not evident. Power density in the 12.25-25.0 Hz range exhibited a wake-dependent increase, whereas a circadian modulation was absent. It is concluded that the circadian pacemaker and the wake-dependent (i.e. homeostatic) process affect the waking EEG in a frequency-specific manner.
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An increase of theta power during extended wakefulness has been demonstrated.
“Indeed, an increase of theta power during extended wakefulness has been demonstrated (Cajochen et al., 1996; Aeschbach et al., 1997; Finelli et al., 2000).”
From EEG oscillations during sleep and dream recall: state- or trait-like individual differences? (2015) · cites this paper as Aeschbach et al., 1997
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References 18 · Cited by 210
- Authors
- Aeschbach, D., Matthews, J. R., Postolache, T. T., Jackson, M. A., Giesen, H. A., & Wehr, T. A.
- Affiliations
- National Institute of Mental Health (US)
- Corresponding author
- Aeschbach, Daniel
- Venue
- Neuroscience Letters
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 1997-12
- Volume
- 239
- Issue
- 2-3
- Pages
- 121-124
- ISSN
- 0304-3940 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1977589043
- Cited by
- 210
- References
- 18
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 6
- FWCI
- 1.59
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Neuroscience Letters (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Sleep and Wakefulness Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Keywords
- EEG spectral power, prolonged wakefulness, circadian rhythm, sleep homeostasis, constant routine, body temperature, circadian pacemaker
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Brain, Circadian Rhythm, Electroencephalography, Electromyography, Electrooculography, Female, Homeostasis, Humans, Male, Sleep, Sleep Deprivation, Sleep Stages, Time, Wakefulness
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