Evidence for widespread alterations in cortical microstructure after 32 h of sleep deprivation

• DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01909-x
• Publication Date: 2022-04-14T21:03:00Z
• Authors: Irene Voldsbekk; Atle Bjørnerud; Inge Groote; Nathalia Zak; Daniel Roelfs; Ivan I. Maximov; Oliver Geier; Paulina Due-Tønne...; Erlend Bøen; Yvonne S. Kuiper; Lise-Linn Løkken; Marie Strømstad; Taran Y. Blakstvedt; Bjørn Bjorvatn; Ulrik F. Malt; Lars T. Westlye; Torbjørn Elvsåshagen; Håkon Grydeland
• Keywords: Sleep; Brain morphometry

Cortical microstructure is influenced by circadian rhythm and sleep deprivation, yet the precise underpinnings of these effects remain unclear. The ratio between T1-weighted T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (T1w/T2w ratio) has been linked to myelin levels dendrite density may offer novel insight into intracortical deprived brain. Here, we examined T1w/T2w in 41 healthy young adults (26 women) before after 32 h either deprivation (n = 18) or a normal sleep-wake cycle 23). Linear models revealed significant group differences change four clusters, including bilateral insular, cingulate, superior temporal cortices, comprising regions involved attentional, auditory pain processing. Across showed an increased ratio, while exhibited reduced ratio. These changes were not explained in-scanner head movement, 95% across clusters remained adjusting for cortical thickness hydration. Compared with cycle, yields increases. While detected this study could reflect alterations dendritic density, both, histological analyses are needed clarify underlying processes.