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Sleep Spindles

Meaning

Brief, high-frequency bursts of brain activity that occur predominantly during Stage 2 of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, observable on an electroencephalogram (EEG). These oscillations are thought to play a vital role in consolidating memories, protecting the brain from external stimuli, and facilitating communication between the thalamus and the cortex. Their density and frequency are clinically linked to cognitive health and the quality of restorative sleep.