Which waveforms are typically observed during deep sleep?

During deep sleep, delta waves are the predominant waveforms observed. Delta waves are characterized by their high amplitude and low frequency, typically ranging from 0.5 to 4 Hz. This slow wave activity is associated with the deepest stages of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, specifically stages 3 and 4.

Delta waves play a crucial role in restorative sleep, contributing to processes such as tissue repair, growth, and immune function. They are indicative of synchronized neural activity and reflect a state of reduced consciousness and heightened stability in brain function.

Other waveforms, like alpha waves, which are more common in relaxed, awake states, beta waves, present during active thinking and alertness, and theta waves, associated with light sleep and drowsiness, do not characterize the deep sleep phase. Delta waves are essential for distinguishing deep sleep from these other states, which explains why they are the correct choice in this context.