Which type of electrodes are commonly used for measuring EEG in sleep studies?

Scalp electrodes are commonly used for measuring electroencephalography (EEG) in sleep studies because they are designed to capture the electrical activity generated by the brain from the surface of the scalp. This non-invasive approach allows for the monitoring of brain wave patterns during sleep stages, making it essential for diagnosing sleep disorders and assessing sleep architecture.

These electrodes are typically placed according to the International 10-20 system, which standardizes the locations on the scalp to ensure consistency and reliability in recordings. By placing electrodes on the scalp, clinicians can effectively evaluate the overall brain activity, including various sleep stages such as REM and non-REM sleep.

Subdermal and intracranial electrodes, while they could measure brain activity, are invasive and typically used in more specialized scenarios, such as in-depth neurological monitoring or surgery, rather than routine sleep studies. Transcutaneous electrodes are generally not applicable in EEG measurements, as they are designed for other uses, such as monitoring muscle activity. Thus, scalp electrodes remain the standard choice in sleep studies for their balance of effectiveness, low risk, and ease of application.