The brain waves associated with REM sleep are most similar to those of which state?

• A. Light sleep (stage 1 NREM)
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Deep sleep (stage 3/4 NREM)
• D. Wakefulness

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the different stages of sleep and their associated brain wave patterns: REM sleep, light sleep (stage 1 NREM), deep sleep (stage 3/4 NREM), and wakefulness.
2. Recall that brain waves during wakefulness are characterized by low amplitude and high frequency, often called beta waves, indicating an alert and active brain state.
3. Recognize that REM sleep brain waves resemble those of wakefulness, showing similar low amplitude and mixed frequency patterns, which is why REM is sometimes called 'paradoxical sleep.'
4. Contrast this with deep sleep (stage 3/4 NREM), which shows high amplitude, low frequency delta waves, and light sleep (stage 1 NREM), which has theta waves of moderate frequency and amplitude.
5. Conclude that because REM sleep brain waves closely mimic the patterns seen during wakefulness, the correct association is between REM sleep and wakefulness.