Neuroimaging investigations of the functional and structural changes of intrinsically connected brain networks in relation to habitual sleep status

Khalsa, Sakhvinder S. (2017). Neuroimaging investigations of the functional and structural changes of intrinsically connected brain networks in relation to habitual sleep status. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis uses fMRI and DTI neuroimaging modalities to investigate relationships between chronic habitual sleep status in waking control subjects and functional and structural changes in higher order intrinsically connected brain networks (ICN). Study one investigates methodologies; compares the use of deterministic and probabilistic tractography in combination with functional imaging to charaterise structural connectivity with respect to functional connectivity in a single ICN. The following chapter examines whether inter-individual differences in habitual sleep patterns are reflected in waking measurements of network functional connectivity (FC) between three ICNs. Subsequent work investigates group differences in structural connectivity with respect to habitual sleep duration and whole brain changes in white matter in relation to subjective habitual sleep quality using tract based spatial statistics (TBSS). The final chapter builds on the work from previous chapters examining a wider range of sleep features and overall network FC. Results presented in this thesis provide evidence of functional and structural brain connectivity changes, which are modulated by chronic habitual sleep status. This may help to elucidate the link between sleep, waking sleep status, cognition and explain individual differences in susceptibility to sleep deprivation, as well as potentially the networks and systems responsible for variations in sleep patterns themselves.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):