All Topics  
Sleep spindle

 

 
   Email Print
   Bookmark   Link
 

 

Sleep spindle
 
 
  Topics Sleep spindle Topic Home

A sleep spindle is a burst of brain activity visible on an EEG
Electroencephalography

Electroencephalography is the recording of electrical activity along the scalp produced by the firing of neurons within the brain. In clinical contexts, EEG refers to the recording of the brain's spontaneous electrical activity over a short period of time, usually 20-40 minutes, as recorded from multiple electrodes placed on the scalp....
 that occurs during stage 2 sleep
Sleep

Sleep is the natural state of bodily rest observed in humans and other animals. It is common to all mammals and birds, and is also seen in many reptiles, amphibians and fish....
. It consists of 12-16 Hz waves that occur for 0.5 to 1.5 seconds.

leep spindles (sometimes referred to as sigma bands) may represent periods where the brain is inhibiting processing to keep the sleeper in a tranquil state. Along with K-complex
K-complex

A K-complex is an Electroencephalography waveform that occurs during Sleep#Stages of sleep. It consists of a brief high-voltage peak, usually greater than 100 ?V, and lasts for longer than 0.5 seconds....
es they are defining characteristics of stage II sleep.






Discussion
Ask a question about 'Sleep spindle'
Start a new discussion about 'Sleep spindle'
Answer questions from other users
Full Discussion Forum



Encyclopedia


A sleep spindle is a burst of brain activity visible on an EEG
Electroencephalography

Electroencephalography is the recording of electrical activity along the scalp produced by the firing of neurons within the brain. In clinical contexts, EEG refers to the recording of the brain's spontaneous electrical activity over a short period of time, usually 20-40 minutes, as recorded from multiple electrodes placed on the scalp....
 that occurs during stage 2 sleep
Sleep

Sleep is the natural state of bodily rest observed in humans and other animals. It is common to all mammals and birds, and is also seen in many reptiles, amphibians and fish....
. It consists of 12-16 Hz waves that occur for 0.5 to 1.5 seconds.

Function

Sleep spindles (sometimes referred to as sigma bands) may represent periods where the brain is inhibiting processing to keep the sleeper in a tranquil state. Along with K-complex
K-complex

A K-complex is an Electroencephalography waveform that occurs during Sleep#Stages of sleep. It consists of a brief high-voltage peak, usually greater than 100 ?V, and lasts for longer than 0.5 seconds....
es they are defining characteristics of stage II sleep. Sleep spindles (also called sigma waves) indicate the onset of Stage II sleep. They are often tapered at both ends and frequently seen over the central head regions. They may or may not be synchronous, but they should be symmetrical and bilateral.

Sleep spindles result from interactions between cells in the thalamus and the cortex.