Final answer:
The correct sequence of the sleep cycle that the nurse should teach is NREM Stage 1, 2, 3, 4, REM, 4, 3, 2, REM. NREM sleep progresses to deep slow-wave sleep with delta waves before shifting to REM sleep, which features active brain patterns and dreaming.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Sequence of the Sleep Cycle
A nurse is teaching the staff about the sleep cycle and the correct sequence to include in the teaching session is NREM Stage 1, 2, 3, 4, REM, 4, 3, 2, REM. This means that the sleep cycle starts with the first four stages of non-REM (NREM) sleep followed by rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Then the cycle goes back from NREM Stage 4 to 2 before entering REM sleep again. This cycle repeats throughout the night.
During NREM sleep, brain wave patterns decrease in frequency and increase in amplitude, transitioning from wakefulness with theta waves to delta waves characterized by low frequency and high amplitude. NREM Stage 2 is known for sleep spindles and K-complexes. REM sleep is noted for active brain waves similar to those observed during wakefulness, rapid eye movements, muscle paralysis (excluding essential muscles for circulation and respiration), and is a period where most dreaming occurs.
NREM Stage 3, also referred to as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep, is important for recovery and memory consolidation. This is the stage that is particularly difficult to awaken someone from. As the night progresses, the duration of REM sleep increases with each cycle.