Weak closed-loop vibrational stimulation improves the depth of slow-wave sleep and declarative memory consolidation. Issue 6 (25th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Sang Ho; Kwon, Hyun Bin; Jin, Hyung Won; Yoon, Heenam; Lee, Mi Hyun; Lee, Yu Jin; Park, Kwang Suk
• Is Part Of: Sleep. Volume 44:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2020-12-25
• Subjects: closed-loop vibration stimulation -- interaction -- slow-wave sleep -- memory consolidation; Sleep -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sleep disorders -- Periodicals; Sommeil -- Aspect physiologique -- Périodiques; Sommeil, Troubles du -- Périodiques; Sleep disorders; Sleep -- Physiological aspects; Sleep -- physiological aspects; Sleep Wake Disorders; Psychophysiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.8498
• DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-8105

Abstract

Abstract: Sleep is a unique behavioral state that affects body functions and memory. Although previous studies suggested stimulation methods to enhance sleep, a new method is required that is practical for long-term and unconstrained use by people. In this study, we used a novel closed-loop vibration stimulation method that delivers a stimulus in interaction with the intrinsic heart rhythm and examined the effects of stimulation on sleep and memory. Twelve volunteers participated in the experiment and each underwent one adaptation night and two experimental conditions—a stimulation condition (STIM) and a no-stimulation condition (SHAM). The heart rate variability analysis showed a significant increase in the normalized high frequency and the normalized low frequency significantly decreased under the STIM during the slow-wave sleep (SWS) stage. Furthermore, the synchronization ratio between the heartbeat and the stimulus significantly increased under the STIM in the SWS stage. From the electroencephalogram (EEG) spectral analysis, EEG relative powers of slow-wave activity and theta frequency bands showed a significant increase during the STIM in the SWS stage. Additionally, memory retention significantly increased under the STIM compared to the SHAM. These findings suggest that the closed-loop stimulation improves the SWS-stage depth and memory retention, and further provides a new technique for sleep enhancement.