Stage 2. Next, eye movement stops and brain waves become slower, with alpha activity shutting down entirely. The brain will begin to produce â sleep spindles â â brief bursts of activity that last for about half a second before dying down. The average adult will spend most of her night in this stage.
Swollen feet and legs, referred to medically as edema, occur when fluid is retained in the spaces between body cells. Edema typically affects the feet, ankles and lower legs, but can also impact any area of the body, causing systemic symptoms. Causes:
Quick Answer. Causes of swollen ankles or feet include congestive heart failure, pregnancy, injury to the ankle or foot, kidney disease and sitting or being on one's feet for a long time, according to WebMD. If the person's ankles swell in the evening, it could also be a sign the body is retaining salt. Continue Reading.