Delta waves

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Delta waves

Delta waves (/ˈdɛltə weɪvz/), also known as delta rhythms, are high amplitude brain waves that are associated with the deepest stages of sleep and aid in characterizing the depth of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.

Etymology

The term "Delta" is derived from the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, Delta (Δ, δ), which is used in the field of Electroencephalography to denote slow brain wave activity.

Description

Delta waves are typically of a frequency from 0.5 to 4 Hertz, and are usually associated with stage 3 of NREM sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep (SWS), and aid in the process of healing and regeneration in the body. They are the slowest and highest amplitude brain waves, and their presence is a marker of the depth of sleep.

Related Terms

  • Electroencephalography (EEG) - A diagnostic test that measures electrical activity in the brain.
  • Non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) - One of the two basic states of sleep.
  • Slow-wave sleep (SWS) - The deepest phase of NREM sleep, characterized by the presence of delta waves.
  • Hertz (Hz) - The unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI) that is equal to one cycle per second.

See Also

External links

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