O016 Characterizing K-Complexes in PTSD Patients

Abstract Introduction K-complexes play a crucial role in sleep maintenance. Disturbances in these processes are linked to sleep disorders such as insomnia. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) features substantial disruption of sleep patterns. This study aims to retrospectively analyze sleep studies of PTSD patients to identify changes in the amplitude of K-complexes which help understanding PTSD-related sleep disruption. Methods 150 sleep recordings of individuals diagnosed with PTSD from the BigSleep data repository will be examined. These recordings will be compared to those of 150 age- and sex-matched controls from the same source. By measuring the characteristics of K-complexes in both clinical and healthy populations, we hope to uncover distinctive patterns associated with PTSD-related sleep disturbances. Results Preliminary analysis of a small subset of data suggests a reduced amplitude of K-complexes in PTSD patients. This finding may suggest impaired stimulus gating during sleep, which may contribute to disrupted sleep in PTSD. If these results are corroborated in the larger dataset, it could provide valuable insights into neural mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in PTSD. Conclusion By identifying specific EEG markers, such as altered K-complex characteristics, we may be better able to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of sleep disturbances associated with PTSD. Our ongoing analysis seeks to confirm preliminary findings and potentially pave the way for an evidence-based, mechanistic understanding of sleep disruption in trauma.