Schematic features representing the Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP) phenomenon. Above: alternation of activated (a) and background (b) episodes with characteristic parameters. In the middle: electrographic features of three kinds of A phases (A1-A2-A3). Below: schematic representation of the sleep cycle with descending and ascending slopes. A1 type phasic activation is associated with the high homeostatic pressure periods of sleep cycles, while A2 and mainly A3 type phasic activities are associated with low homeostatic pressure periods of sleep cycles.
