# Partial synchronization in empirical brain networks as a model for unihemispheric sleep

## TL;DR

This study models partial synchronization in human brain networks using FitzHugh-Nagumo oscillators, revealing structural asymmetry can induce unihemispheric sleep-like states, similar to those observed in some animals.

## Contribution

It demonstrates how structural asymmetry in empirical brain networks can lead to unihemispheric sleep-like partial synchronization patterns.

## Key findings

- Structural asymmetry induces dynamical asymmetry.
- Inter-hemispheric coupling controls partial synchronization.
- Model suggests possible mechanisms for unihemispheric sleep.

## Abstract

We analyze partial synchronization patterns in a network of FitzHugh-Nagumo oscillators with empirical structural connectivity measured in healthy human subjects. We report a dynamical asymmetry between the hemispheres, induced by the natural structural asymmetry. We show that the dynamical asymmetry can be enhanced by introducing the inter-hemispheric coupling strength as a control parameter for partial synchronization patterns. We specify the possible modalities for existence of unihemispheric sleep in human brain, where one hemisphere sleeps while the other remains awake. In fact, this state is common among migratory birds and mammals like aquatic species.