Sleep stage scoring in the adult population.

Sleep stage scoring is a system-based classification procedure requiring knowledge and understanding of brainwave electrical potentials and their patterns in different cortical areas. Monitoring precise scalp locations requires standardized electrode placements. The electroencephalogram is recorded concurrently with eye movement potentials (electro-oculogram) and submentalis muscle activity (electromyogram). The resulting recording is a polysomnogram. This article addresses sleep stage scoring in adults.