The trace alternant pattern is associated with which stage of sleep in infants?

The trace alternant pattern is a distinctive electroencephalographic (EEG) finding that is primarily associated with Quiet Sleep (NREM) in infants. During this stage, the EEG exhibits a unique pattern characterized by bursts of higher amplitude activity followed by lower amplitude activity. This pattern is significant because it reflects the alternating cycles of sleep in infants, playing a crucial role in their overall sleep architecture and development.

In Quiet Sleep, the physiological processes are more stable, and the infant experiences a deeper stage of rest and recovery compared to other sleep stages. This pattern is less active than those seen in Active Sleep (REM), where the EEG shows more irregular and mixed activity, reminiscent of the higher brain activity found in adults during REM sleep. Understanding the trace alternant pattern aids in the assessment of normal sleep development in infants and can help in identifying any potential sleep disturbances.