Gender difference of slow wave sleep in middle aged and elderly subjects

Sleep EEG of eight healthy males and eight females aged 54-72 years were recorded at their homes. The electroencephalograms were visually scored and analyzed by spectral analysis using the FFT method. There were no significant differences in sleep parameters except for a higher percentage of stage 3+4 in females. The spectral power of the delta band EEG was classified into two frequencies: 0.5-2 Hz and 2-4 Hz. The total amount of the delta band spectral power through the night was significantly larger in females. Periodic fluctuation of delta band power was observed in females along with non-rapid eye movement-rapid eye movement cycles.