Each of these stages can all be distinguished by the brain’s activity during this time. Stages 1 and 2 are characterized by slower theta waves, light sleep and can last from 5 to 10 minutes per stage cycle. Stage 2 sleep’s theta waves can be interrupted by periodic sleep spindles, making this stage different than the first. Stages 3 and 4 are characterized by delta waves, which are slower than the theta waves of stages 1 and 2. Sleep stage 3 is characterized by light sleep patterns, unlike stage 4, which is the deepest stage of sleep. It is usually around this period that any cases of sleepwalking and bedwetting would happen. Stages 3 and 4 are also the periods in the body’s joints and muscles heal themselves. REM sleep is characterized by the production of alpha waves, which are considerably faster than theta waves. The alpha waves produced during this time are the same waves produced during awake time. REM sleep is distinguished by the rapid eye movements and paralysis of muscles. It is here that the brain is rested and refreshed as the blood flow to it has diminished. Neurotransmitters are now replaced and memories in the motor cortex are converted into long-term memories in the temporal lobe. For this reason, sleep deprived humans may find trouble recalling
Each of these stages can all be distinguished by the brain’s activity during this time. Stages 1 and 2 are characterized by slower theta waves, light sleep and can last from 5 to 10 minutes per stage cycle. Stage 2 sleep’s theta waves can be interrupted by periodic sleep spindles, making this stage different than the first. Stages 3 and 4 are characterized by delta waves, which are slower than the theta waves of stages 1 and 2. Sleep stage 3 is characterized by light sleep patterns, unlike stage 4, which is the deepest stage of sleep. It is usually around this period that any cases of sleepwalking and bedwetting would happen. Stages 3 and 4 are also the periods in the body’s joints and muscles heal themselves. REM sleep is characterized by the production of alpha waves, which are considerably faster than theta waves. The alpha waves produced during this time are the same waves produced during awake time. REM sleep is distinguished by the rapid eye movements and paralysis of muscles. It is here that the brain is rested and refreshed as the blood flow to it has diminished. Neurotransmitters are now replaced and memories in the motor cortex are converted into long-term memories in the temporal lobe. For this reason, sleep deprived humans may find trouble recalling