states of consciousness pt 2 Flashcards
internal rhythms of biological activity. Ex: a woman’s menstrual cycle (a recurring, cyclical pattern of bodily changes.
biological rhythm
a biological rhythm that takes place over a period of about 24 hours. Ex: our sleep wake cycle
circadian rhythm
the tendency to maintain a balance, or optimal level, within a biological system.
homeostasis
a consistent difficulty in falling or staying asleep for at least three nights a week over a month’s time
insomnia
a collection of symptoms that results from the mismatch between our internal circadian cycles and our environment.
jet lag
a hormone that is an important regulator of sleep-wake cycles
melatonin
an endocrine structure located inside the brain that releases melatonin. Thought to be involved in the regulation of various biological rhythms and of the immune system during sleep.
pineal gland
refers to a work schedule that changes from early to late on a daily or weekly basis. For example, a person may work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, 3:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. In such instances, the individual’s schedule changes so frequently that it becomes difficult for a normal circadian rhythm to be maintained. This often results in sleeping problems, and it can lead to signs of depression and anxiety.
rotating shift work
a state marked by relatively low levels of physical activity and reduced sensory awareness.
sleep
does not get sufficient sleep on a chronic basis. The consequences of this include decreased levels of alertness and mental efficiency.
sleep debt
refers to the brain’s control of switching between sleep and wakefulness as well as coordinating this cycle with the outside world.
sleep regulation
the brain’s clock mechanism located in an area of the hypothalamus. The axons of light-sensitive neurons in the retina provide info to this based on the amount of light present, allowing this internal clock to be synchronized with the outside world.
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
characterized by high levels of sensory awareness, thought, and behavior
wakefulness