Description
- Abstract:
- Visual Perceptual Learning (VPL) is the ability to detect, discriminate, or identify visual information through training over a long period of time. While sleep has been established as a crucial contributor to VPL consolidation, the influence of fluctuating menstrual cycle phases on this process remains largely unexplored. This study looks at the association between menstrual cycle phases and VPL performance gains in women with normal menstrual cycles, who have no history of neurological disorders. Participants completed a visual perception task and were exposed to EEG and MRS during various menstrual phases. Fast sigma wave activity in sleep and E/I neurotransmitter ratios in the visual and prefrontal cortices were evaluated as markers of VPL consolidation. Results showed a decrease in fast sigma power and a decrease in E/I ratios during non-REM sleep for women in menses compared to women in other menstrual phases. This suggests a decrease in neuroplasticity and reduced learning facilitation. Correspondingly, offline gains were also reduced for women in menses. The findings suggest that menstrual cycle variations significantly influence sleep dependent consolidation of VPL, where menses is associated with decreased neuroplasticity, and reduced learning. These variations have implications for the optimization of visual training regimens for women.
- Notes:
- Senior thesis (AB)--Brown University, 2024
- Concentration: Health and Human Biology
Access Conditions
- Use and Reproduction
- All rights reserved
- Rights
- In Copyright
- Restrictions on Use
- All Rights Reserved
Citation
Berhe, Hana,
"Menstruation and Visual Perceptual Learning"
(2024).
Biology and Medicine Theses and Dissertations.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://doi.org/10.26300/h6b9-3c68
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Biology and Medicine Theses and Dissertations
Theses and Dissertations for the Biology and Medicine department....