The Impact of Delta Waves on Deep Sleep

The Impact of Delta Waves on Deep Sleep Student Resources Print The Impact of Delta Waves on Deep Sleep By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on November 25, 2019 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD on November 25, 2019 AMELIE-BENOIST/BSIP/Getty Images More in Student Resources APA Style and Writing Study Guides and Tips Careers A delta wave is a type of high amplitude brain wave found in humans. Delta waves have a frequency from one to four hertz and are measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG). These brain waves are thought to emerge from the thalamus and are generally associated with slow-wave sleep (during the third stage of sleep.) This period of time during which delta waves occur is often known as deep sleep. How Delta Waves Are Measured Delta waves were first identified and described in the early 1900s after the invention of the electroencephalogram allowed researchers to look at brain activity during sleep. During sleep, the brain cycles through a number of different stages differentiated from each other by the brain activity that occurs during each stage. During the initial stages of sleep, people are still awake and somewhat alert. At this point, the quick and small beta waves are produced. Eventually, the brain begins to slow down and slower waves known as alpha waves can be observed with an EEG. Once asleep, the three stages of sleep can begin. Stage 1 (N1) is light sleep, typically beginning soon after getting into bed and lasting roughly 7-10 minutes. At this point, the brain creates a slow, high amplitude activity known as theta waves. Stage 2 (N2) sleep encompasses about 50% of a nights sleep and is marked not only by sleep spindles but also K-complexes. This stage lasts slightly longer than the previous stage. Stage 3 (N3) is deep sleep and should encompass about 20-25% of a nights sleep. During this stage, the brain begins to produce the slow and deep waves of delta sleep. People are far less responsive and less aware of the external environment at this point. Delta wave sleep is often thought of as a transitional point between light and deep sleep. Previously, researchers distinguished between stage 3 and stage 4  of sleep, but they are now recognized as combined stages. Delta waves are associated with the deep sleep stages, 3 and REM. During stage 3, less than half of brain waves consist of delta waves, while more than half of brain activity consists of delta waves during REM sleep. It is in the next stage that REM sleep begins. This stage is characterized by rapid eye movements and increases in dreaming. Interesting Facts About Delta Waves Interestingly, research has found that women display more delta wave activity than men. Females among most other mammalian species display a similar tendency, although researchers have not yet agreed on a specific reason why.Ketogenic diets, which are very high in fat and low in carbohydrates, can cause delta wave increases.Brain disorders can also have an effect on the display of delta waves. Parkinsons disease, schizophrenia, and narcolepsy are all characterized by changes in delta wave activity.Some drugs and chemicals have been shown to impact the brains delta waves. Alcohol can also have an effect on delta waves and long-term abuse can lead to lasting changes in delta activity.