Which brain waves are typically observed as you fall into sleep from wakefulness?

Which brain waves are typically observed as you fall into sleep from wakefulness?

• A. Alpha waves
• B. Theta waves
• C. Sleep spindles
• D. Delta waves

Answer: (B)

As you drift from wakefulness into sleep, your brain’s activity shifts to slower rhythms. The first stage of sleep is characterized by theta waves, which are slower than the alpha waves you often have when you’re relaxed with your eyes closed. So the appearance of theta activity signals the transition into sleep from wakefulness. Later stages bring sleep spindles and delta waves, but theta waves best capture that initial move from wakeful relaxation into sleep.

As you drift from wakefulness into sleep, your brain’s activity shifts to slower rhythms. The first stage of sleep is characterized by theta waves, which are slower than the alpha waves you often have when you’re relaxed with your eyes closed. So the appearance of theta activity signals the transition into sleep from wakefulness. Later stages bring sleep spindles and delta waves, but theta waves best capture that initial move from wakeful relaxation into sleep.