Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Brain wave patterns refer to the electrical activity that occurs in the brain during different stages of sleep. These patterns can be measured using electroencephalography (EEG) and provide valuable information about the quality and depth of sleep.
Related terms
Electroencephalography (EEG): This is a tool used by researchers to measure and record electrical activity in the brain. It involves attaching electrodes to the scalp to capture brain wave patterns.
Sleep Stages: These are distinct phases of sleep, including NREM (non-rapid eye movement) stages 1, 2, 3, and REM (rapid eye movement) stage. Each stage is characterized by specific brain wave patterns.
Delta waves are slow-frequency brain waves (0.5-4 Hz) that typically appear during deep sleep (NREM stage 3). They play a crucial role in restoring physical health and promoting growth hormone release during sleep.