Each stage of the five-stage sleep cycle represents a different level of sleep, ranging from light to deep sleep. These stages are characterized by specific brain wave patterns, eye movements, and muscle activity.
Related terms
Stage 1: This is the lightest stage of sleep where you may experience hypnagogic hallucinations or sudden muscle contractions.
Stage 2: In this stage, your brain produces bursts of rapid rhythmic brainwave activity known as sleep spindles.
Stage 3: Also called "deep sleep" or "slow-wave sleep," this is the stage where delta waves dominate and your body repairs itself.
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