The Effects of Abstinence status and Sleep Quality on Resting State Alpha Power in Cocaine Use Disorder

Rationale: Substance use disorders are associated with notable sleep disturbances. Electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha power occurs during wakeful rest, is associated with sleepiness, and indicates neural deactivation. Objectives: The goal of the current study was to assess the effects of abstinence on the relationship between alpha power and subjective sleep quality in participants with cocaine use disorder (CUD). Methods: Participants with CUD (n = 32) who were recently or non-abstinent completed a resting-state EEG paradigm (90 s eyes open/closed). Absolute alpha power was calculated using the fast Fourier transform and by averaging within the power spectra of the alpha band (8–13 Hz). The participants rated their subjective sleep quality on a scale of 1–10 for the past 7 nights. Bayesian linear mixed models evaluated the unique and moderating effects of sleep quality, group (abstinent, non-abstinent), eye condition (open, closed), and electrode location on resting-state alpha power. Results: Results indicated that subjective sleep quality did not differ between groups and that alpha power was decreased in the non-abstinent group. However, in the abstinent group only, better sleep quality was associated with decreased alpha power. There was no evidence of a relationship between sleep and alpha power in the non-abstinent group. This effect was similar across eye conditions, but was stronger at the right, posterior, and superior electrodes. Conclusions: These results could indicate a return to homeostasis during early abstinence or that those currently using might not get as much benefit from sleep, highlighting resting-state alpha power as a potential target for addressing sleep-related issues.