Circadian Health Glossary
Electrooculogram (EOG)
Electrooculogram (EOG) is a non-invasive technique used to record the electrical activity of the eyes. It is often used in sleep studies and research on circadian rhythms to measure eye movements.
How Does EOG Work?
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Electrodes: Electrodes are placed around the eyes, typically on the forehead, temples, and cheeks.
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Electrical activity: The electrodes detect the electrical currents produced by the muscles that move the eyes.
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Eye movements: The recorded electrical signals can be used to identify different types of eye movements, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, saccades (quick eye movements), and nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).
What Is EOG Used For?
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Sleep studies: EOG is a key component of polysomnography, a comprehensive study of sleep that also includes electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), and other measurements. It helps to identify different stages of sleep, including REM sleep.
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Circadian rhythm research: EOG can be used to study the timing and duration of sleep-wake cycles and other circadian rhythms.
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Neurological disorders: EOG can be used to diagnose and monitor certain neurological disorders, such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea.