An individual is taking part in a sleep study. He is attached to all of the EEG recording electrodes. Just before the study is to start, he suddenly falls down, is immobilized and goes immediately into sleep. What stage of sleep will be recorded at this point?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paradoxical sleep, also known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is characterized by the presence of dreams and a state of paralysis (except for the eyes and respiratory muscles), which prevents the individual from acting out their dreams. The sudden transition into sleep described, accompanied by immediate immobilization, suggests the onset of REM sleep, which is unusual but can occur in certain sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.

An Individual Is Taking Part in a Sleep Study