* Vertex waves have a negative polarity at the vertex and are typically seen in N1 and N2 sleep.
K-complexes have a high amplitude negative wave followed by a positive wave: they have a sharp, then slow, then superimposed fast frequency.
Sleep spindles are 11 to 16 Hz bursts of activity that last up to 1.5 seconds in duration. They have a spindle shape and arise from thalamocortical oscillations emanating from the thalamic reticular nucleus; they involve T-type calcium calcium channels.