Intermediate
Technical
IVT
sleep spindles
Burst of 11-15 Hz activity during stage 2 sleep, generated by thalamic pacemaker cells.
Full Definition
Sleep spindles are characteristic EEG bursts of 11-15 Hz oscillations lasting 1-3 seconds, appearing during stage 2 non-REM sleep. These rhythmic bursts are generated by the thalamic reticular nucleus and represent synchronized thalamocortical activity that helps maintain sleep by blocking sensory transmission to the cortex. Sleep spindles typically occur every 3-10 seconds during stable stage 2 sleep and are essential markers for sleep staging in polysomnography.
Usage
Usage note: Named for their spindle-like morphology on EEG; marker of healthy sleep.
In Context
- "Abundant sleep spindles indicated good sleep quality and thalamic function." — Sleep study interpretation
- "The patient showed decreased sleep spindles, possibly related to thalamic dysfunction." — Sleep disorder neurology consultation
Also known as
sigma spindles
Don't confuse with
K-complexes
alpha rhythm