Exploring complex and integrated information during sleep.

The Integrated Information Theory proposes that consciousness arises from the integration of information within a system, and the degree of consciousness depends on the extent of that integration. When consciousness is lost, the core complex of consciousness disintegrates and Φ measures, reflecting integrated information, diminish. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging of global brain networks during tasks and sleep, the authors discovered that a complex within the frontoparietal network remained constant across tasks, but its regional distribution collapsed in early sleep. Φ measures decreased as sleep progressed under limited analysis conditions. These findings align with and support the theory's predictions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The Integrated Information Theory is a theoretical framework that aims to elucidate the nature of consciousness by postulating that it emerges from the integration of information within a system, and that the degree of consciousness depends on the extent of information integration within the system. When consciousness is lost, the core complex of consciousness proposed by the Integrated Information Theory disintegrates, and Φ measures, which reflect the level of integrated information, are expected to diminish. This study examined the predictions of the Integrated Information Theory using the global brain network acquired via functional magnetic resonance imaging during various tasks and sleep. We discovered that the complex located within the frontoparietal network remained constant regardless of task content, while the regional distribution of the complex collapsed in the initial stages of sleep. Furthermore, Φ measures decreased as sleep progressed under limited analysis conditions. These findings align with predictions made by the Integrated Information Theory and support its postulates.