Sleep
Scoring is the process which measures the various stages of sleep
to determine the quality of sleep which the subject is getting. The brain’s
activity can be traced in the form of various waves both in wakefulness and in
sleep. We will take you through the various stages of sleep and the
corresponding brain waves which are recorded as a part of Sleep Study Scoring.
Stage 1
The brain waves which are prominent while we are awake are Gamma,
High Beta, Mid Beta, Alpha, Beta Sensory Motor Rhythm, and Theta. As we begin
to enter the first stage of sleep, the brain waves, which can be measured are
prominently, are Alpha and Theta. We go through Alpha when we are just
beginning to fall asleep. This is one of the most soothing stages of sleep and
is also experienced during meditation. The later part of the stage involves
entering the Theta and lasts for 5-10 minutes.
Stage
2:
Stage 2 is characterized by sleep spindles, which are
rhythmic in nature and is characterized with dropping body temperature and slowed
down heart rate. This stage lasts for about 20 minutes.
Stage
3:
This is the stage when we move from light sleep to deep
slumber. The brain waves which show during this stage are the Delta Waves.
Stage
4:
Stage 4 is the state of deep sleep. It lasts for around 30
minutes and is also known as Delta Sleep in the medical jargon due to the prominence
seen in the emergence of Delta Waves.
Stage
5:
Stage 5 is the final stage of sleep process. It is signified
with rapid eye movements and hence is also referred to as REM (Rapid Eye
Movement). While the muscles are completely relaxed during this stage, there is
a marked increase in brain activity. Most dreams occur during this stage of
dreaming.
Although the above steps seem to denote a sequential shift
from one stage to the other, it does not happen so necessarily. It is more of a
cyclical affair. Sleep Study Scoring
analyses the above stages and compares the actual sleep behavior of the subject
against what is established as the standard. A stage-wise analysis is necessary
to put the finger on the exact problems which may occur during sleep.
