Characterizing sleep spindles in 11,630 individuals from the National Sleep Research Resource

• Published in: Nature communications Vol. 8; no. 1; p. 15930
• Main Authors: Purcell, S. M., Manoach, D. S., Demanuele, C., Cade, B. E., Mariani, S., Cox, R., Panagiotaropoulou, G., Saxena, R., Pan, J. Q., Smoller, J. W., Redline, S., Stickgold, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 26-06-2017; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 45; 45/43; 631/378/1385/2641; 692/308/174; 692/53/2423; Activity patterns; Adolescent; Adult; Age; Aged; Biomarkers; Body mass; Body mass index; Child; Child, Preschool; Circadian rhythms; Cognitive ability; Disorders; EEG; Electroencephalography; Eye; Eye movements; Female; Frequency dependence; Genetic factors; Heart diseases; Humanities and Social Sciences; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mental disorders; Middle Aged; multidisciplinary; Night; NREM sleep; REM sleep; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Sleep; Sleep - physiology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 2041-1723; 2041-1723
• DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15930

Sleep spindles are characteristic electroencephalogram (EEG) signatures of stage 2 non-rapid eye movement sleep. Implicated in sleep regulation and cognitive functioning, spindles may represent heritable biomarkers of neuropsychiatric disease. Here we characterize spindles in 11,630 individuals aged 4 to 97 years, as a prelude to future genetic studies. Spindle properties are highly reliable but exhibit distinct developmental trajectories. Across the night, we observe complex patterns of age- and frequency-dependent dynamics, including signatures of circadian modulation. We identify previously unappreciated correlates of spindle activity, including confounding by body mass index mediated by cardiac interference in the EEG. After taking account of these confounds, genetic factors significantly contribute to spindle and spectral sleep traits. Finally, we consider topographical differences and critical measurement issues. Taken together, our findings will lead to an increased understanding of the genetic architecture of sleep spindles and their relation to behavioural and health outcomes, including neuropsychiatric disorders.
Sleep patterns vary and are associated with health and disease. Here Purcell
et al
characterize sleep spindle activity in 11,630 individuals and describe age-related changes, genetic influences, and possible confounding effects, serving as a resource for further understanding the physiology of sleep.