Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.04.29.067702v1?rss=1 Authors: Betta, M., Handjaras, G., Leo, A., Federici, A., Farinelli, V., Ricciardi, E., Siclari, F., Meletti, S., Ballotta, D., Benuzzi, F., Bernardi, G. Abstract: EEG slow waves, the hallmarks of NREM sleep, are closely linked to the restorative function of sleep and their regional cortical distribution reflects plasticity- and learning-related processes. Here we took advantage of simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings to map cortical and subcortical hemodynamic (BOLD) fluctuations time-locked to sleep slow waves. Recordings were performed in twenty healthy adults during an afternoon nap. Slow waves were associated with BOLD-signal increases in the brainstem and in portions of thalamus and cerebellum characterized by preferential functional connectivity with limbic and somatomotor areas, respectively. At the cortical level, significant BOLD-signal decreases were found in several areas, including insula and somatomotor cortex, and were preceded by slow signal increases that peaked around slow-wave onset. EEG slow waves and BOLD fluctuations showed similar cortical propagation patterns, from centro-frontal to temporo-occipital cortices. These regional patterns of hemodynamic-electrical coupling are consistent with theoretical accounts of the functions of sleep slow waves. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info