Neurophysiology and special senses: slow-wave sleep: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology and special senses: slow-wave sleep

Sample item

A 7-year-old child sleepwalks about an hour after falling asleep, is hard to rouse and cannot recall any dream. Which EEG activity would be predominant at that time?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. High-amplitude delta waves of slow-wave sleep

Sleepwalking and night terrors arise out of deep non-REM sleep, which is dominated by high-amplitude, slow delta waves. This sleep is most abundant early in the night, and arousal from it is difficult with no dream recall.

Option by option

  • A. Low-voltage fast desynchronised activity

    Low-voltage fast activity belongs to REM sleep, with dreaming and atonia.

  • B. Sleep spindles and K complexes only

    Spindles and K complexes mark lighter non-REM sleep, not deep sleep.

  • C. High-amplitude delta waves of slow-wave sleep (correct)

    Correct. Deep non-REM sleep shows high-amplitude delta activity and parasomnias arise from it.

  • D. Alpha rhythm over the occipital region

    Alpha rhythm is seen in relaxed wakefulness with eyes closed.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, High-amplitude delta waves of slow-wave sleep. Sleepwalking and night terrors arise out of deep non-REM sleep, which is dominated by high-amplitude, slow delta waves.

Why is "Low-voltage fast desynchronised activity" not the answer?

Low-voltage fast activity belongs to REM sleep, with dreaming and atonia.

Why is "Sleep spindles and K complexes only" not the answer?

Spindles and K complexes mark lighter non-REM sleep, not deep sleep.

Why is "Alpha rhythm over the occipital region" not the answer?

Alpha rhythm is seen in relaxed wakefulness with eyes closed.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology and special senses: slow-wave sleep in Physiology. This sleep is most abundant early in the night, and arousal from it is difficult with no dream recall.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology and special senses: slow-wave sleep?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.