摘要：SummaryFunctional dissociations in the brain observed during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep have been associated with reduced information integration and impaired consciousness that accompany increasing sleep depth. Here, we explored thedynamicalproperties of large-scale functional brain networks derived fromtransientbrain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Spatial brain maps generally display significant modifications in terms of their tendency to occur across wakefulness and NREM sleep. Unexpectedly, almost all networks predominated in activity during NREM stage 2 before an abrupt loss of activity is observed in NREM stage 3. Yet, functional connectivity and mutual dependencies between these networks progressively broke down with increasing sleep depth. Thus, the efficiency of information transfer during NREM stage 2 is low despite the high attempt to communicate. Critically, our approach provides relevant data for evaluating functional brain network integrity and our findings robustly support a significant advance in our neural models of human sleep and consciousness.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•We examined the dynamics of large-scale functional brain networks during NREM sleep•Brain network activity peaks during NREM stage 2 and decreases during NREM stage 3•Interactions between brain networks break down with increasing sleep depth•NREM stage 2 reveals unstable functional network synchronizationMedical Imaging; Systems Neuroscience; Cognitive Neuroscience; Techniques in Neuroscience
