**1. Introduction**

24 Infrared Spectroscopy – Life and Biomedical Sciences

Yamamoto A, Yokoyama N, Yonetani M, Uetani Y, Nakamura H, Nakao H. Evaluation of

Yanowitz TD, Potter DM, Bowen A, Baker RW, Roberts JM. Variability in cerebral oxygen

Zaramella P, Freato F, Grazzina N, Saraceni E, Vianello A, Chiandetti L. Does helmet CPAP

Zaramella P, Freato F, Quaresima V, Ferrari M, Bartocci M, Rubino M, Falcon E, Chiandetti

using near infrared spectroscopy. Pediatr Int. 2003 Dec; 45(6):661-4.

Res. 2006 Feb;59(2):299-304.

study. Pediatr Int. 2006 Jun;48(3):305-12.

Aug 1.

change of cerebral circulation by SpO2 in preterm infants with apneic episodes

delivery is reduced in premature neonates exposed to chorioamnionitis. Pediatr

reduce cerebral blood flow and volume by comparison with Infant Flow driver CPAP in preterm neonates? Intensive Care Med. 2006 Oct;32(10):1613-9. Epub 2006

L. Surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus reduces the cerebral tissue oxygenation index in preterm infants: a near-infrared spectroscopy and Doppler

> Functional neuroimaging is universally recognized to be a remarkably effective modality for exploring precise brain function. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron-emission tomography (PET) are among the most widely used neuroimaging techniques; however, their invasiveness in terms of, for example, exposure to high magnetic fields or radiation, or restriction of body movement during the examination, makes their application difficult in infants, children, and some subjects with an atypical condition.

> Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), on the other hand, is an alternative neuroimaging modality that is suitable for use with most individuals due to its non-invasive nature. It measures local cortical activity during brain activation. Although NIRS has several limitations compared with fMRI and PET, it is an appropriate and feasible method to use with infants, children, and other subjects such as those who suffer from loss of sleep. Naturally, sleep loss raises some problems related to the subject keeping still yet awake during the examination, but otherwise is a good option. The effects of sleep loss on local cortical activities associated with certain cognitive functioning as assessed by NIRS are the topic of this chapter.
