Abstract:Factors such as sleep, posture, and diet can impact EEG readings and havephysiological and neurological effects that, when in dysfunctional ranges, mayincrease susceptibility to developing affective mood disorders or otherpsychiatric issues. Based on an observation of a neurofeedback clientgenerating excessive amounts of theta rhythms while in a slouched posture, wediscuss the role of theta rhythms in brain function and emotional regulation.Slouched posture has been strongly correlated with depressive symptoms.Although the precise nature of the relationship between slouched posture,sleep, and depressive symptoms remains unclear, the literature suggests acyclical, reciprocal dynamic that is modulated by the involvement of thetarhythms. We recommend that neurofeedback practitioners assess their patients’posture while training, as it could affect the training’s effectiveness. Sleeppatterns should be assessed prior to the initiation of neurofeedback; if sleepissues remain a consistent problem, efforts to optimize the biological matrixmay be indicated. Simple changes in body posture, diet monitoring, andstrategies to reduce sleep deprivation may be helpful.
