Effects of sleep onset on the mismatch negativity (MMN) to frequency deviants using a rapid rate of presentation.

This study examined the effects of sleep onset-the transition from a waking, conscious state to one of sleep and unconsciousness-on the mismatch negativity (MMN) following frequency deviants when a rapid rate of stimulus presentation is employed. The MMN is thought to reflect a brief-lasting sensory memory. Rapid rates of stimulus presentation should guard the sensory memory from fading.