Sleep spindle
Sleep Spindle
A Sleep Spindle (pronunciation: /sli:p/ /ˈspɪn.dəl/) is a burst of brain activity visible on an EEG that occurs during stage 2 sleep. It is a distinctive feature of the sleep EEG, and has been associated with various aspects of cognitive function.
Etymology
The term "Sleep Spindle" is derived from the spindle-like shape of the waveform seen on EEG during this stage of sleep. The word "spindle" comes from the Old English "spinnan", meaning "to spin", and the Latin "spindulus", a diminutive of "spindle".
Description
Sleep Spindles are brief bursts of high frequency, low amplitude brain activity, typically lasting 0.5 to 2 seconds. They are generated in the thalamic reticular nucleus and are thought to represent periods of reduced responsiveness to sensory input, helping to isolate the brain from external disturbances during sleep.
Function
The function of Sleep Spindles is not fully understood, but they are thought to play a role in sleep maintenance, memory consolidation, and brain plasticity. They have been associated with improved learning and memory, and alterations in Sleep Spindle activity have been observed in various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sleep spindle
- Wikipedia's article - Sleep spindle
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