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Behavioral and Brain Functions

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Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research

Electroencephalographic correlates of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Authors: Michael J Decker, Humyra Tabassum, Jin-Mann S Lin, William C Reeves

Published in: Behavioral and Brain Functions | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Background

Unremitting fatigue and unrefreshing sleep, hallmark traits of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), are also pathognomonic of sleep disorders. Yet, no reproducible perturbations of sleep architecture, multiple sleep latency times or Epworth Sleepiness Scores are found to be associated consistently with CFS. This led us to hypothesize that sleep homeostasis, rather than sleep architecture, may be perturbed in CFS. To probe this hypothesis, we measured and compared EEG frequencies associated with restorative sleep between persons with CFS and matched controls, both derived from a population-based sample.

Methods

We evaluated overnight polysomnography (PSG) in 35 CFS and 40 control subjects. PSG records were manually scored and epochs containing artifact removed. Fast Fourier Transformation was utilized to deconstruct individual EEG signals into primary frequency bands of alpha, delta, theta, sigma, and beta frequency domains. The spectral power of each frequency domain for each sleep state was compared between persons with CFS and matched controls.

Results

In persons with CFS, delta power was diminished during slow wave sleep, but elevated during both stage 1 and REM. Alpha power was reduced during stage 2, slow wave, and REM sleep. Those with CFS also had significantly lower theta, sigma, and beta spectral power during stage 2, Slow Wave Sleep, and REM.

Discussion

Employing quantitative EEG analysis we demonstrate reduced spectral power of cortical delta activity during SWS. We also establish reduced spectral power of cortical alpha activity, with the greatest reduction occurring during REM sleep. Reductions in theta, beta, and sigma spectral power were also apparent.

Conclusion

Unremitting fatigue and unrefreshing sleep, the waking manifestations of CFS, may be the consequence of impaired sleep homeostasis rather than a primary sleep disorder.

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Title: Electroencephalographic correlates of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Michael J Decker
Humyra Tabassum
Jin-Mann S Lin
William C Reeves
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Behavioral and Brain Functions / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1744-9081
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-9081-5-43

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Electroencephalographic correlates of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

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