Combined EEG/fMRI Recordings in Sleep Research

Regional activity in the brain and the ability to react to external stimuli undergo fundamental changes during sleep as compared to wakefulness. Most studies so far have used single cell recordings or evoked potentials to uncover these vigilance-dependent alterations. A new and challenging approach is provided by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). When necessary precautions for patient's safety are guaranteed, these advanced techniques can be combined with simultaneous electrophysiological recordings like EEG, EOG and EMG, and allow for the non-invasive study of ongoing activity changes in intact brai…