Sleep Neurology Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
multiple sleep latency test MSLT
Daytime sleep study measuring the tendency to fall asleep, used primarily to diagnose narcolepsy and assess excessive daytime sleepiness.
sleep rebound
The compensatory increase in a particular sleep stage following its previous deprivation or suppression.
sleep spindle
Characteristic EEG waveforms of 12-14 Hz frequency appearing in bursts during NREM sleep, generated by the thalamus.
sleep stage
Distinct phases of sleep characterized by specific patterns of brain wave activity, eye movements, and muscle tone.
sleep study artifact
Unwanted signals or disturbances in polysomnographic recordings that can interfere with accurate sleep staging and inter...
sleep study interpretation
The clinical analysis and scoring of polysomnographic data to diagnose sleep disorders.
sleep study montage
The specific arrangement and configuration of electrodes and sensors used during polysomnographic recording.
sleep study report
A comprehensive clinical document summarizing polysomnographic findings and diagnostic conclusions.
sleep study scoring
The systematic analysis and classification of sleep stages, respiratory events, and other physiological parameters recor...
sleep technologist
A healthcare professional trained to conduct sleep studies and monitor patients during overnight testing.
sleep terror
Parasomnia characterized by sudden arousal from deep sleep with intense fear, autonomic activation, and limited responsi...
sleep-disordered breathing
An umbrella term for abnormal respiratory patterns during sleep, including apneas and hypopneas.
sleep-related breathing disorder
Umbrella term for respiratory abnormalities that occur specifically during sleep, including apneas, hypopneas, and hypov...
sleep-related eating behavior
Abnormal eating episodes that occur during sleep or partial arousal states, often with limited recall.
sleep-related eating disorder
Parasomnia characterized by involuntary eating episodes during arousals from non-REM sleep, often with amnesia for the e...
sleep-related groaning
Parasomnia characterized by repetitive groaning sounds during expiration in sleep, also known as catathrenia.
sleep-related hypoventilation
Decreased ventilation during sleep resulting in elevated carbon dioxide levels and reduced oxygen saturation.
sleep-related rhythmic movement
Repetitive, stereotyped motor behaviors occurring during drowsiness or sleep, commonly head banging or body rocking.
sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder
Sleep disorder involving repetitive, stereotyped movements during sleep that may interfere with sleep quality or cause i...
sleep-related seizure
Epileptic seizures that occur predominantly or exclusively during sleep, requiring differentiation from parasomnias.
sleep-wake cycle
The natural 24-hour pattern of sleep and wakefulness controlled by circadian rhythms and homeostatic sleep drive.
sleep-wake transition
The physiological process of changing from sleep to wakefulness or vice versa.
sleep-wake transition disorder
Abnormal behaviors or experiences occurring specifically during the transition between sleep and wakefulness.
somnambulism
Sleepwalking behavior occurring during NREM sleep, characterized by complex motor activity while maintaining sleep.
somnolence
A state of near-sleep or strong desire for sleep, characterized by drowsiness and reduced alertness.