Sleep Physiology and Disorders Flashcards
Describe REM sleep
End of night, increased brain activity, atonic muscles, increased blood flow, fast EEG
Describe non-REM sleep
Start of night, relaxed muscles, reduced blood flow, synchronised and rhythmic EEG
Which sleep is essential for survival - REM or non-REM?
Non-REM sleep (deep sleep!), enables cortex to recover after busy day
REM sleep is more common in which age group?
Neonates and young children
According to circadian rhythm, at what times do we get most sleepy?
4am and 2pm
What is a zeitgeber?
Rhythmically occuring exogenous cues that can influence the timing of our body clock e.g. temperature, drinking, social patterns, exercise
How many hours of sleep is recommended?
7-7.5 hours
A mid-afternoon nap of 15 minutes is equivalent to __ mins of overnight sleep
A mid-afternoon nap of 15 minutes is equivalent to 90 mins of overnight sleep
List prefrontal effects of lack of sleep
Irritability
Hallucinations
Illusions
Concentration lapses
Well-rehearsed tasks can be performed effectively even with lack of sleep. True/False?
True
Alertness is compromised however
What is narcolepsy?
Sudden “sleep seizure”
List clinical features of narcolepsy
Daytime sleepiness
Involuntary somnolence
Cataplexy - sudden muscle weakness may cause dropping to the ground, usually due to emotion
Hallucinations
Sleep paralysis
List investigations for narcolepsy
Overnight study: EEG, nasal/jaw sensor
Sleep latency test
Lumbar puncture for CSF hypocretin
What type of sleep consolidates memory?
REM
What is RBD (REM behavioural disorders)
Loss of paralysis/motor inhibition during REM sleep, may cause pateints to ‘act out’ their dreams
