Why do we record eye movements during physiological calibrations?

Recording eye movements during physiological calibrations is crucial for assessing alpha activity and REM sleep. Alpha activity is generated in the brain during relaxed, awake states, and eye movements provide important context for interpreting brain wave patterns. The presence of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a key phase in the sleep cycle, associated with dreaming and other physiological phenomena.

During sleep studies, observing eye movements helps to identify transitions between sleep stages, particularly from non-REM to REM sleep. These indicators are vital for accurate sleep staging and understanding the overall sleep architecture of the patient. By training on this physiological data, practitioners can better analyze sleep disorders, leading to more effective diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to the patient's needs.