What technique is commonly used in sleep studies to measure large groups of neurons' activity?

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the technique commonly used in sleep studies to measure the activity of large groups of neurons in the brain. EEG works by placing electrodes on the scalp to detect electrical impulses produced when neurons communicate with each other. This method provides a non-invasive way to measure brain waves and can reveal patterns associated with different stages of sleep, such as REM and non-REM sleep.

The strength of EEG lies in its temporal resolution, allowing researchers to monitor changes in brain activity with millisecond precision. This capability is crucial in sleep studies because sleep involves various rapid changes in brain activity. Overall, EEG is an invaluable tool in understanding sleep architecture and associated brain functions.