Module 9: Sleep and Dreams Flashcards
sleep
periodic natural loss of consciousness
circadian rhythm
biological 24 hour clock
lark
morning peak of alertness, tends to be adults
owl
evening peak of alertness, tends to be young adults
how does light regulate sleep
light detecting cells in eyes send info to suprachiasmatic nucleus which sends info to pineal gland to produce (or not) melatonin
melatonin
makes you tired
sleep stages
distinctive changes of electrical activity of brain and physiological processes
sleep cycles
patterns of shifting through all sleep stages, takes about 90 minutes
polysomnography
sleep study, records brain activity, eye movements, breathing
beta waves
awake, attentive state; high frequency, low amplitude
alpha waves
awake, nonattentive state; lower frequency, higher amplitude
NREM 1
stage 1, theta waves (small, irregular), hypnogogic sensations
hypnogogic sensations
similar to hallucinations
hypnagogic jerk
body mistaking dreaming for falling
NREM 2
stage 2, sleep spindles on EEG, about 20 minutes
NREM 3
stages 3 and 4, delta waves, deep sleep, physiological processes slow
REM sleep
paradoxical sleep - brain and physiological processes active, body not active
sleep paralysis
waking up during REM sleep paralyzed due to brainstem preventing body response to brain activity
five reasons for sleep
protection, repairs brain and body, strengthens memory, facilitates creative problem solving, growth hormone released
sleep deprivation
decreased memory, suppressed immune system, increased risk of depression, obesity, reduced strength
insomnia
persistent inability to fall asleep/stay asleep
narcolepsy
uncontrollable sleep attacks
sleep apnea
repeated awakening after breathing stops
night terrors
sudden scared-looking behavior, rapid heartbeat and breathing, occurs in NREM 3
