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Cited by 1Sleep and Wakefulness ResearchNeural dynamics and brain functionPhilosophy and Theoretical Science

Thalamic oscillations distinguish natural states of consciousness in humans

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Chowdhury, Aditya, Wu, Xiongbo, Beilner, Tara, Schreiner, Thomas, Koeglsperger, Thomas, Mehrkens, Jan-Hinnerk, Remi, Jan, Vollmar, Christian +2 more·2026·Nature Human Behaviour
DOI 10.1038/s41562-026-02446-z
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Abstract

Natural states of consciousness are thought to be regulated by deep brain structures such as the thalamus. However, very little is known about the underlying electrophysiology in humans. Here, using a rare opportunity to directly record from the human thalamus, we identify a hitherto-unreported brain-state-specific oscillation of approximately 19-45 Hz. This oscillation is present only during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness, while being absent during non-REM sleep. The 19-45 Hz oscillation further distinguishes REM sleep microstates, co-occurring with bursts of eye movements, and is specific to the central thalamus, a structure implicated in causing global brain state transitions. The discovery of a distinct oscillatory signature in the central thalamus that distinguishes conscious states opens up avenues to further investigate thalamic contributions to states of consciousness in humans and potentially to refine interventions to treat disorders of consciousness.

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Crossref · 10.1038/s41562-026-02446-z

Cites

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Claims the paper makes

0 of 41 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Widths of average sleep spindles and fast oscillations are significantly correlated (r = 0.44, p < 0.004).

    “We find significant correlations for both the amplitudes (r=0.84,p< 10 -5 , Bootstrap resampling of contacts) and widths (r=0.44,p< 0.004, Bootstrap resampling of contacts) of the average sleep spindles and faster oscillations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Burst rates for frequencies above the spindle band (19-45 Hz) are significantly higher during wakefulness and REM sleep than during NREM sleep (p < 2 × 10^-4).

    “for frequencies above the spindle band (19 -45 Hz), the rate of oscillatory activity during wakefulness and REM sleep is significantly higher than in NREM sleep (p< 2 × 10 -4 for both cases, subject-level paired Wilcoxon Rank Test with 14 subjects).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Detection probability of oscillatory bands at 19-45 Hz in thalamic contacts is 0.62±0.09 during REM sleep and 0.68±0.08 during wakefulness.

    “bands of oscillatory activity at frequencies higher than the typical spindle band (19 -45 Hz) during both REM sleep (0.62±0.09 per thalamic contact, subject-level mean and standard deviation using block bootstrapping, see Materials and Methods) and wakefulness (0.68±0.08 per thalamic contact).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Detection probability does not depend on proximity to the Anteroventral (AV) nuclei (logistic regression slope = 0.07 ± 0.10, p > 0.5).

    “We do not find a dependence of detection probability on the proximity to the AV (logistic regression slope= 0.07 ± 0.10, p > 0.5, block Bootstrapping).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    wPLI between thalamic contacts and scalp electrodes in fast oscillation frequency ranges is significantly higher during REM sleep and wakefulness than during NREM sleep for all three scalp EEG regions (p_corr < 0.006).

    “the wPLI between thalamic contacts and scalp electrodes in these frequency ranges during REM sleep and wakefulness is significantly higher than during NREM sleep for all three scalp EEG regions (for all three effects, p corr < 0.006, subjectlevel paired Wilcoxon Rank Test with 14 subjects, corrected for 3 comparisons using the Bonferroni method).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 16
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 4
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 44

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    A fast oscillatory activity (20-45 Hz / 19-45 Hz) is present in the human thalamus during wakefulness and REM sleep and is absent during NREM sleep.

    “We find that the oscillation is present only during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness, while being entirely absent during Non-REM sleep.”
    • Also stated in: § 7 Discussion · plain
      “The central finding of this study is the detection and characterization of oscillatory activity in the human thalamus, at frequencies above the spindle band, that specifically occur during two natural states of consciousness -wakefulness and REM sleep.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    During NREM sleep, there is a clear oscillatory peak in the 1/f-subtracted power spectrum aligned to the NREM spindle peak frequency, but not during REM sleep and wakefulness.

    “the panel shows a clear oscillatory peak during NREM sleep but not during REM sleep and wakefulness.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Amplitudes and widths of fast oscillations during REM sleep and wakefulness are significantly correlated (p < 10^-5 for both).

    “the amplitudes and widths of the fast oscillations during REM sleep and those during wakefulness are significantly correlated (p< 10 -5 for both amplitude and width, Bootstrap resampling of contacts, see Supplementary Figure 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Burst probability of fast thalamic oscillations is enhanced around rapid eye movements during REM sleep, correlating with the temporal distribution of eye movements.

    “The panel shows a clear enhancement of thalamic burst activity that is tightly coupled to eye movements during REM sleep.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    During wakefulness and REM sleep, frequency ranges of elevated burst probability correspond to a clear peak in the 1/f-subtracted power spectrum centered at the peak burst rate; no such peak is seen during NREM sleep.

    “during both wakefulness and REM sleep, the frequency ranges of the elevated burst probability correspond to a clear peak in the 1/f-subtracted power spectrum, centered at the frequency of the peak burst rate.However, no such peak is seen during NREM sleep.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The widths of the NREM spindles and the Wake-and REM sleep-specific oscillations estimated using an alternative thresholding method also show significant correlation.

    “The widths of the NREM spindles and the Wake-and REM sleep-specific oscillations estimated using this alternative method also show significant correlation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    A total of 47 DBS electrode contacts were within 1 mm of the Anteroventral (AV) nuclei.

    “Further, a total of 47 contacts were within 1 mm of the Anteroventral (AV) nuclei, the main clinic target for DBS.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The total number of rapid EMs detected in the cohort varied between 56 and 6964, with a mean rapid EM frequency of 8 ± 5 per minute.

    “The total number of rapid EMs detected in our cohort varied between 56 and 6964, with a mean rapid EM frequency of 8 ± 5 per minute.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    After combining overlapping bands across brain states, 221 frequency bands were obtained across the cohort.

    “After combining overlapping bands across brain states, we obtained a total of 221 frequency bands across our cohort (an average of ≈ 2 bands per bipolar thalamic contact).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Wakefulness- and REM sleep-specific frequency bands were found in 54 thalamic contacts across 14 patients, with 7 contacts having two such distinct frequency bands.

    “We find such frequency bands in a total of 54 thalamic contacts across 14 patients, with 7 thalamic contacts having two such distinct frequency bands.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The scalp topographies of voltage deflections during rapid eye movements are consistent with the stereotypical scalp EEG topography associated with horizontal eye movements.

    “The topographies are consistent with the stereotypical scalp EEG topography associated with horizontal eye movements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Oscillatory activity was also detected in the thalamus during wakefulness or REM sleep in typical alpha and low-beta frequency ranges.

    “We note that we also detected oscillatory activity in the thalamus during wakefulness or REM sleep that lie in typical alpha and low-beta frequency ranges 56,57 ; these can be seen in the distribution of frequencies in Figure 2(b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [56] Seth, A. K. & Bayne, T. Theories of consciousness. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 23, 439–452 (2022). source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [57] Tononi, G., Boly, M., Massimini, M. & Koch, C. Integrated information theory: from consciousness to its physical substrate. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 17, 450–461 (2016). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    wPLI between thalamic contacts and scalp electrodes in the frequency range of fast thalamic oscillations was significantly higher in REM sleep and wakefulness than in NREM sleep, for all three scalp regions (p corr < 0.006, subject-level paired Wilcoxon Rank Test with 14 subjects, Bonferroni corrected for 3 comparisons).

    “Panel (a) shows that the wPLI in the frequency range of fast thalamic oscillations for all three regions of scalp electrodes is significantly higher during wakefulness and REM sleep than in NREM sleep.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    There was no evidence that detection probability depended on distance to the Ventral Lateral (VL) nucleus (logistic regression slope = -0.39 ± 0.20, p corr > 0.05).

    “or the VL (logistic regression slope= -0.39 ± 0.20, p corr > 0.05, block Bootstrapping).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Sleep spindles at approximately 11-15 Hz are consistently present during NREM sleep, and a faster oscillatory activity at approximately 28-34 Hz is present during both wakefulness and REM sleep.

    “The consistent presence of sleep spindles at ≈ 11-15 Hz during NREM sleep and a faster oscillatory activity at ≈ 28 -34 Hz during both wakefulness and REM sleep can be clearly seen.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Research with model animals (specifically cats) shows that thalamocortical networks can produce fast oscillations, both in vivo and in vitro.

    “Research with model animals (specifically cats) show that thalamocortical networks can produce fast oscillations, both in vivo and in vitro 32,33 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [32] Shirvalkar, P., Seth, M., Schiff, N. D. & Herrera, D. G. Cognitive enhancement with central thalamic electrical stimulation. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 103, 17007–17012 (2006). source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [33] Schiff, N. D. et al. Thalamic deep brain stimulation in traumatic brain injury: a phase 1, randomized feasibility study. Nat. Med. 29, 3162–3174 (2023). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    In humans, stimulating the Central Thalamus has shown promising but mixed results in reversing the loss of consciousness.

    “In humans, stimulating the Central Thalamus has shown promising but mixed results in reversing the loss of consciousness [see refs.20,21 for reviews].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites refs.20,21

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Despite convincing causal evidence for the role of the Central Thalamus in regulating arousal and consciousness, a mechanistic understanding remains elusive.

    “Despite the convincing causal evidence for the role of the Central Thalamus in regulating arousal and consciousness, a mechanistic understanding remains elusive 14,16,30 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [14] Schiff, N. D. Central thalamic contributions to arousal regulation and neurological disorders of consciousness. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 1129, 105–118 (2008). source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [16] Whyte, C. J., Redinbaugh, M. J., Shine, J. M. & Saalmann, Y. B. Thalamic contributions to the state and contents of consciousness. Neuron 112, 1611–1625 (2024). source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] Edlow, B. L., Claassen, J., Schiff, N. D. & Greer, D. M. Recovery from disorders of consciousness: mechanisms, prognosis and emerging therapies. Nat. Rev. Neurol. 17, 135–156 (2021). source

      Not checked in the free run.

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    Premisecitation

    Thalamocortical networks orchestrate neural oscillations over a range of frequencies, serving to selectively synchronize different brain regions to meet the requirements of a given brain state.

    “Thalamocortical networks orchestrate neural oscillations over a range of frequencies, serving to selectively synchronize different brain regions to meet the specific requirements of a given brain state [see e.g.refs 1,2 for reviews].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites refs 1,2

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    Premisecitation

    The Central Thalamus has been shown to play a key role in arousal regulation.

    “The Central Thalamus has been shown to play a key role in arousal regulation 14,16 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [14] Schiff, N. D. Central thalamic contributions to arousal regulation and neurological disorders of consciousness. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 1129, 105–118 (2008). source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [16] Whyte, C. J., Redinbaugh, M. J., Shine, J. M. & Saalmann, Y. B. Thalamic contributions to the state and contents of consciousness. Neuron 112, 1611–1625 (2024). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The thalamus is a diverse structure with different subregions having specialized anatomical connectivity and functional roles.

    “The thalamus is a diverse structure with its different subregions having specialized anatomical connectivity as well as functional roles 26 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26] Jones, E. G. The Thalamus (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2007).

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The thalamus is a key regulator of brain states, controlling the flow of information between the sensory periphery and the cortex as well as between different regions of the cortex.

    “The thalamus is a key regulator of brain states, controlling the flow of information between the sensory periphery and the cortex as well as between different regions of the cortex 36 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [36] Steriade, M., Contreras, D., Amzica, F. & Timofeev, I. Synchronization of fast (30–40 hz) spontaneous oscillations in intrathalamic and thalamocortical networks. J. Neurosci. 16, 2788–2808 (1996). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The thalamus plays a critical role in the generation of sleep spindles during NREM sleep.

    “The thalamus plays a critical role in the generation of sleep spindles during NREM sleep (see, e.g.ref. 2 for a review).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites ref. 2

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    REM sleep is comprised of two distinct microstates: phasic REM characterized by bursts of eye movements and an elevated arousal threshold, and tonic REM characterized by epochs of marked reduction in eye movements and a reduced arousal threshold.

    “REM sleep is thought to be comprised of two distinct microstates: (i) phasic REM characterized by bursts of eye movements and an elevated arousal threshold and (ii) tonic REM characterized by epochs of marked reduction in eye movements and a reduced arousal threshold 23 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] Simor, P., van der Wijk, G., Nobili, L. & Peigneux, P. The microstructure of REM sleep: why phasic and tonic? Sleep Med. Rev. 52, 101305 (2020). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Previous research found that the DBS frequency most effective in causing arousal in anaesthetized animals of 50 Hz approximately matched the frequency of thalamic activity when animals were awake.

    “previous research 17 has found that the DBS frequency most effective in causing arousal in anaesthetized animals of 50 Hz approximately matched the frequency of thalamic activity when animals were awake”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] Redinbaugh, M. J. et al. Thalamus modulates consciousness via layer-specific control of cortex. Neuron 106, 66–75.e12 (2020). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The efficacy of clinical thalamic DBS to reverse loss of consciousness varies widely across reported studies.

    “the efficacy of the intervention varies widely with reported studies [see ref.21 for a metanalysis].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites ref.21

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    Interpretationreasoning

    Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the brain is involved in a simulation of actions and their consequences during REM sleep.

    “Our observations here would be consistent with the hypothesis that the brain is involved in a simulation of actions and their consequences during REM sleep 25 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [25] Senzai, Y. & Scanziani, M. The brain simulates actions and their consequences during REM sleep. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.13.607810 (2024). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    During NREM sleep, thalamocortical sleep spindles at 11-17 Hz are generated via a mechanism driven by inhibitory neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus.

    “during Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, thalamocortical sleep spindles at 11-17 Hz are generated via a mechanism driven by inhibitory neurons in the thalamic reticular nuclues 3,4”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [3] Steriade, M., Deschenes, M., Domich, L. & Mulle, C. Abolition of spindle oscillations in thalamic neurons disconnected from nucleus reticularis thalami. J. Neurophysiol. 54, 1473–1497 (1985). source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [4] Fuentealba, P. & Steriade, M. The reticular nucleus revisited: intrinsic and network properties of a thalamic pacemaker. Prog. Neurobiol. 75, 125–141 (2005). source

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    Premisecitation

    Studies in rodents show that eye movements during REM sleep meaningfully update the animal's head direction system, similar to actual head turns during wakefulness.

    “For example, studies in rodents show that eye movements during REM sleep meaningfully update the animal's head direction system, similar to actual head turns during wakefulness 24 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [24] Senzai, Y. & Scanziani, M. A cognitive process occurring during sleep is revealed by rapid eye movements. Science 377, 999–1004 (2022). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    One study reported the progressive emergence of REM sleep in a minimally conscious patient after 18 months of Central Thalamus DBS.

    “one of these studies 29 reported the progressive emergence of REM sleep in a minimally conscious patient after 18 months of Central Thalamus DBS.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [29] Grujic, N., Polania, R. & Burdakov, D. Neurobehavioral meaning of pupil size. Neuron 112, 3381–3395 (2024). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Research in non-human primates shows that DBS of central thalamic nuclei can reverse the loss of consciousness in anesthetized animals and improve behavioral performances by regulating arousal levels.

    “Research in non-human primates show that DBS of central thalamic nuclei can reverse the loss of consciousness in anesthetized animals [17][18][19] as well as improve behavioral performances by regulating arousal levels 15,27 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [17][18][19]

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    • cites [15] Janson, A. P. et al. Selective activation of central thalamic fiber pathway facilitates behavioral performance in healthy non-human primates. Sci. Rep. 11, 23054 (2021). source

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    • cites [27] Schneider, M. et al. A mechanism for inter-areal coherence through communication based on connectivity and oscillatory power. Neuron 109, 4050–4067.e12 (2021). source

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI) between two oscillatory signals is non-zero only if there exists a consistent positive or negative phase difference between the two signals.

    “the wPLI between two oscillatory signals is non-zero only if there exists a consistent positive or negative phase difference between the two signals 67 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [67] Stark, E. & Abeles, M. Applying resampling methods to neurophysiological data. J. Neurosci. Methods 145, 133–144 (2005). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Additional criteria were imposed to ensure that detected events represent actual oscillatory activity rather than noise fluctuations or broadband and aperiodic increases in power.

    “To ensure that the detected events represent actual oscillatory activity, rather than noise fluctuations or broadband and aperiodic increases in power, we imposed additional criteria that the detected bursts must be (i) at least five oscillatory cycles long, (ii) have a peak amplitude that exceeded three times the median of all Morlet amplitudes in the channel, and (iii) that the width of the bur”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    The oscillatory bands detected were checked for statistically significant elevated burst probabilities.

    “Next, we checked if the oscillatory bands thus detected represented frequencies with elevated burst probabilities that were statistically significant.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Scalp electrode coverage is variable across the cohort.

    “Note that the scalp electrode coverage is variable across our cohort.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The results of the correlation analysis did not depend on the choice of higher frequency bands when multiple bands were detected.

    “However, we emphasize that the results of the correlation analysis did not depend on this choice.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    The main analysis is carried out on a total of 17 patients.

    “Overall, our main analysis is carried out on a total of 17 patients.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    Alpha/low-beta oscillations contribute to burst rates in spindle frequency ranges during REM sleep or wakefulness, but this does not impact the analysis or interpretation of any results.

    “However, this does not impact the analysis or the interpretation of any of the results of this paper.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Grouping the MedioDorsal lateral (MDl) and Central Lateral (CL) nuclei approximates previous definitions of the central thalamus.

    “we obtained the mask for region by grouping together the following two nuclei from segmentation atlas 60 : MedioDorsal lateral (MDl) and Central Lateral (CL); this approximates previous definitions of the central thalamus [see e.g.refs.63,64 ].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [60] Melloni, L. et al. An adversarial collaboration protocol for testing contrasting predictions of global neuronal workspace and integrated information theory. PLoS ONE 18, e0268577 (2023). source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [63] Iber, C., Ancoli-Israel, S., Chesson, A. & Quan, S. The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events: Rules, Terminology and Technical Specifications (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2007).

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [64] Sassenhagen, J. & Draschkow, D. Cluster-based permutation tests of MEG/EEG data do not establish significance of effect latency or location. Psychophysiology 56, e13335 (2019). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Similar results were obtained for various choices of filtering, including filtering the voltages to the individual frequency ranges of detection.

    “We note that similar results were obtained for various choices of filtering, including filtering the voltages to the individual frequency ranges of detection.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Seven patients were excluded from the main analysis due to various reasons.

    “We excluded 7 patients from the main analysis due to various reasons.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The low-density and sparse coverage of the simultaneously recorded scalp EEG was a limitation of our study.

    “the low-density and sparse coverage of the simultaneously recorded scalp EEG was a limitation of our study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Detected bursts likely to be a primary harmonic of a lower frequency burst were excluded.

    “Further, we excluded any detected burst likely to be a primary harmonic of a lower frequency burst; this was accomplished by searching for any coincident burst with a higher amplitude and at half the frequency of the burst.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The range of frequencies above 55 Hz was selected to avoid misclassification of thalamic oscillations between 20-50 Hz as IEDs.

    “We note that the range of frequencies above 55 Hz was selected to avoid misclassification of thalamic oscillations between 20-50 Hz as IEDs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    An improved burst detection algorithm was used that requires no prior knowledge of frequency band(s) where significant neural oscillations are present.

    “In this work, we used an improved burst detection algorithm that requires no prior knowledge of frequency band(s) where significant neural oscillations are present.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    The data for seven patients in the main cohort partially overlap with the data used in a previous study.

    “Finally, we note that the data for seven patients in our main cohort partially overlap with the data used in a previous study 52 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [52] Koch, C., Massimini, M., Boly, M. & Tononi, G. Neural correlates of consciousness: progress and problems. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 17, 307–321 (2016). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The overall approach ensures that initial detection and characterization of peaks in burst rate is done independent of statistical significance criteria, avoiding a common pitfall.

    “This ensures that the initial detection and characterization of the peaks in burst rate is done independent of any statistical significance criteria, avoiding the common pitfall”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The thalamic oscillation reported here is specific to phasic REM and wake, which might speak in favor of the two states being similar with respect to conscious access.

    “That the thalamic oscillation reported here is specific to phasic REM and wake might thus speak in favor of the two states being similar with respect to conscious access.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The thalamic oscillations observed in pharmacoresistent epilepsy patients with implanted DBS electrodes are representative of natural states of consciousness in healthy humans.
    • Rests on an assumption: The observed thalamic oscillations are not a consequence of epilepsy or DBS implantation.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Initial REM detections were subjected to additional thresholding to ensure that detected REMs were highly reliable.

    “In order to ensure that the detected REMs were highly reliable, we further subjected the initial detections to a series of additional thresholding to arrive at a final set of events.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    REM sleep, and particularly phasic REM, has been reported to produce vivid dreams that involve conscious experience.

    “REM sleep, and particularly phasic REM, has been reported to produce vivid dreams that involve conscious experience 39 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] Li, G., Henriquez, C. S. & Fröhlich, F. Unified thalamic model generates multiple distinct oscillations with state-dependent entrainment by stimulation. PLoS Comput. Biol. 13, e1005797 (2017). source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study received permission from the local ethics committee and all participants consented to study participation.

    “The study received permission from the local ethics committee (LMU Munich, project number 24-0454) and all participants consented to the study participation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Block bootstrapping at the subject level ensures that correlations between neighbouring bipolar channels do not affect the statistical inferences.

    “We note that this approach does introduce correlations between neighbouring channels; however, our approach of computing uncertainties and significances using block bootstrapping at the subject level ensures that these correlations do not affect the statistical inferences.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Research in non-human primates has shown a key role of higher-order thalamic nuclei, such as those in the Central Thalamus, in communicating efference copies of actions.

    “Indeed, research in non-human primates has shown a key role of higher-order thalamic nuclei, such as those in the Central Thalamus, in communicating efference copies of actions 36,37 .”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [36] Steriade, M., Contreras, D., Amzica, F. & Timofeev, I. Synchronization of fast (30–40 hz) spontaneous oscillations in intrathalamic and thalamocortical networks. J. Neurosci. 16, 2788–2808 (1996). source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [37] Steriade, M., Amzica, F. & Contreras, D. Synchronization of fast (30–40 hz) spontaneous cortical rhythms during brain activation. J. Neurosci. 16, 392–417 (1996). source

      Not checked in the free run.

53 of 53

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Wakefulness and REM sleep are natural states of consciousness.

    “Natural states of consciousness are thought to be regulated by deep brain structures such as the thalamus.”
    “that specifically occur during two natural states of consciousness -wakefulness and REM sleep.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The fast thalamic oscillation is an electrophysiological marker of consciousness.

    “the probability of detecting this electrophysiological marker of consciousness in the human thalamus is significantly higher when the electrode contact is in close proximity to the Central Thalamus.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The thalamic oscillations observed in pharmacoresistent epilepsy patients with implanted DBS electrodes are representative of natural states of consciousness in healthy humans.

    “Simultaneous intracranial and scalp EEG recordings were obtained from pharmacoresistent epilepsy patients bilaterally implanted with DBS electrodes for chronic stimulation of their Anterior Thalamus 51 .”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The observed thalamic oscillations are not a consequence of epilepsy or DBS implantation.

    “Simultaneous intracranial and scalp EEG recordings were obtained from pharmacoresistent epilepsy patients bilaterally implanted with DBS electrodes for chronic stimulation of their Anterior Thalamus 51 .”
4 of 4

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Burst-width methods point to the amplitude panel

    Minor

    The width-scaling description directs readers to Figure 4(c), but the results assign amplitudes to panel (c) and widths to panel (d).

  • Peak-significance test uses the opposite tail

    Minor

    The stated p-value counts bootstrap samples in which the peak exceeds the band edges. A very small value by that definition would mean the peak almost never exceeds the edges, yet the paper treats small values as evidence of enhanced burst rates. The reported significant-band count therefore cannot follow from the test as described.

  • Figure 2(D) is assigned two different measurements

    Minor

    The methods identify Figure 2(D, top panel) as aligned power spectra, whereas the results identify that same panel as burst rates. These are different plotted quantities.

  • Scalp-electrode availability differs between methods sections

    Minor

    The acquisition section says two patients lacked Fp1. The connectivity section instead says one patient lacked Fp2, giving a different patient count and a different missing electrode.

4 of 4

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Jones, E. G. The Thalamus (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2007).

Related

Authors
Chowdhury, A., Wu, X., Beilner, T., Schreiner, T., Koeglsperger, T., Mehrkens, J.-H., Remi, J., Vollmar, C., Kaufmann, E., & Staudigl, T.
Affiliations
  • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (DE)
  • LMU Klinikum (DE)
Corresponding author
Staudigl, Tobias
ORCID
Venue
Nature Human Behaviour
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2026-05-27
Volume
10
Issue
8
Pages
1579-1593
ISSN
2397-3374 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1038/s41562-026-02446-z
OpenAlex
W4406899935
Cited by
1
References
75
Citations by year
2025: 1
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Nature Human Behaviour (publishedVersion)
  • bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (520617944, 520139811)
  • H2020 European Research Council (802681)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Sleep and Wakefulness Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Philosophy and Theoretical Science
Keywords
thalamus, neural oscillations, states of consciousness, REM sleep, NREM sleep, wakefulness, central thalamus, eye movements, disorders of consciousness
MeSH terms
Adult, Consciousness, Electroencephalography, Eye Movements, Female, Humans, Male, Sleep, REM, Thalamus, Wakefulness, Young Adult, Brain Waves

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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