Slow Oscillations in Non-REM Sleep

Electrophysiological Characteristics

• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines specify that slow wave activity in NREM stage 3 should be preferentially scored in frontal EEG derivations and must exceed 75 μV in amplitude 1, 2

Clinical Significance

• Normal aging is associated with decreased slow-wave sleep, with the most marked changes occurring between ages 19 and 60 years 3
• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines specify that slow wave activity should be assessed preferentially in frontal derivations, which may show considerably greater amplitude than central regions 1, 2
• Polysomnography remains the gold standard for evaluating slow oscillation integrity and identifying causes of disruption 3