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Sleep Stages and Brain Waves in Psychology

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Terms in this set (12)

  • Normal waking state
    Characterized by Beta waves, which indicate active, alert brain activity.
  • Brain waves just before sleep
    Dominated by Alpha waves, indicating a relaxed, calm state before sleep.
  • Stage N1 sleep
    The first stage of sleep marked by Theta waves, representing light sleep.
  • Stage N2 sleep
    Characterized by Sleep spindles and K-complexes, which are brief bursts of brain activity important for memory consolidation.
  • Stage N3 sleep (Slow-wave sleep)
    Deep sleep stage dominated by Delta waves, associated with restorative sleep.
  • Stage R (REM) sleep
    Marked by Beta waves similar to waking state, associated with vivid dreaming and brain activity.
  • Sleep spindles
    Brief bursts of rapid brain activity during Stage N2 sleep, important for memory and learning.
  • K-complex
    A large wave that occurs during Stage N2 sleep, thought to help suppress cortical arousal and aid memory consolidation.
  • Theta waves
    Brain waves seen in Stage N1 sleep, indicating light sleep and transition from wakefulness.
  • Delta waves
    Slow brain waves characteristic of deep Stage N3 sleep, important for physical and mental restoration.
  • Beta waves
    Fast brain waves associated with active thinking and REM sleep.
  • Alpha waves
    Brain waves indicating a relaxed, calm state, often seen just before sleep.