Question

Sleep research define our sleep stage in terms of

Answer 1

Sleep consists of multiple stages marked by specific brain wave patterns, including theta waves in stage 1, sleep spindles in stage 2, and delta waves in slow-wave sleep (stage 3), followed by REM sleep with active brain patterns similar to wakefulness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stages of Sleep

Sleep is a complex state that involves multiple stages, which can be identified based on different patterns of brain wave activity. The transition from wakefulness to sleep begins with NREM sleep where brain waves transition from beta waves to theta waves. The first stage, stage 1 sleep, is a transitional period of slowing respiration and heartbeat, leading into stage 2 characterized by sleep spindles and K-complexes. Stage 3 sleep, also known as deep or slow-wave sleep, is marked by low frequency, high amplitude delta waves. An individual's heart rate and respiration slow dramatically in this stage, making it difficult to awaken them. After these NREM stages, the sleep cycle typically proceeds to REM sleep, where the eyes move rapidly, and the brain activity resembles that of an awake person. Both REM and NREM stages are crucial for processes related to learning and memory.

Answer 2

There are five stages of sleep during the sleep cycle.

Scientists categorized the stages of sleep based on the characteristics of the brain and body during sleep. Stage 1,2,3, and 4, are categorized as 'non-REM sleep', and the fifth stage, is REM sleep.