Final answer:
NREM sleep consists of stages 1, 2, and 3, followed by REM sleep. Each stage is characterized by different brain wave patterns and physiological changes, such as respiration and heart rate. Stage 1 is transitional, while stage 2 involves sleep spindles and K-complexes. Stage 3 is deep sleep, and REM sleep is associated with dreaming.
Step-by-step explanation:
NREM sleep consists of several stages, including stages 1, 2, and 3, which are followed by REM sleep. In stage 1 sleep, the body transitions between wakefulness and sleep, with a slowdown in respiration and heartbeat. This stage is characterized by alpha and theta brain waves. Stage 2 sleep is marked by the appearance of sleep spindles and K-complexes, and body temperature drops.
Stage 3 sleep, also known as deep sleep, is characterized by low frequency, high amplitude delta waves, and it is the stage during which the body repairs and rejuvenates itself. REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, occurs after NREM sleep and is a stage of sleep associated with dreaming and high brain wave activity similar to wakefulness.