Describe the typical sleep cycle, starting with falling asleep, and ending with the first REM period of the night. Make sure to describe the EEG and physiological characteristics associated with each stage

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
? In Stage 1, brain waves slow down and become higher in amplitude—these are known as theta waves. Breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate all decrease slightly as an individual begins to sleep.
? In Stage 2, brain waves continue to slow. Periodic bursts of "sleep spindles" appear on the EEG.
? Slow, large amplitude EEG activity called delta waves appear in stages 3 & 4. These are the deepest levels of sleep, when we are the most difficult to awaken.
? Sleepers than reverse back through the lighter stages and enter REM sleep.
? REM sleep is characterized by quickening brain waves, deep relaxation, inhibited body movement, and rapid eye movements (REM). This stage is sometimes known as paradoxical sleep because the EEG waves appear to represent a state of wakefulness, but it is in fact a deep stage of sleep.