What artifact can disrupt the EEG signal during sleep monitoring?

Muscle activity or limb movements are indeed a significant source of artifact that can disrupt the EEG signal during sleep monitoring. During sleep, particularly in certain stages, muscle activity, such as that from the face, jaw, or limbs (like movements or twitches), can induce electrical signals that interfere with the clarity of the EEG readings. This can result in misleading data about the patient's sleep stages or overall sleep quality since the unwanted muscle signals can mask or mimic genuine brain activity.

Accurate interpretation of EEG signals is crucial for sleep studies, as it helps in diagnosing conditions like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or other sleep disorders. Therefore, understanding the impact of muscle activity on EEG recordings is essential for ensuring the validity of sleep studies.