Rhythms and Sleep: Sleeping and Waking Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is sleep?
many definitions, but commonality is a state of inactivity
human sleep stages
waking, slow wave sleep which is divided into 3 stages, REM
dreaming
most dreams occur during REM sleep with lots of visual imagery. nightmares occur during REM and night terrors occur during stage 3 of SWS
effects of sleep deprivation
sleepiness, hallucinations in some, irritability, difficulty concentrating, disorientation, total deprivation in mammals leads to death
what is the function of sleep?
energy conservation, predation avoidance, body restoration
energy conservation
lower muscle tension, heart rate, blood pressure, body temp, and respiration
predation avoidance
reduce predation rates
body restoration
rebuild proteins used up during the day, increase metabolic demands
consolidation of memory
LVF cortical EEG activity is increased during REM, which is likely replaying days activities and consolidating memories
neural systems underlying sleep
4 important regions:
forebrain - displays SWS
brainstem - activates forebrain into wake
pontine - triggers REM
hypothalamic - regulates other 3 systems to determine sleep or wake
the basal forebrain
neurons become active during SWS onset, actively imposes SWS on brain. inhibited by noradrenergic stimulation
reticular formation in brainstem
wakes up cortex, axons project to the entire forebrain. lesions in the RF produce persistent sleep
pons
triggers REM, some neurons only seems to be active during REM
hypocretin and narcoplepsy
may function to keep sleep at bay and prevent transition from wake to REM
somnambulism
sleep walking, most common in children, occurs during stage 3 SWS
REM behaviour disorder
organized sleep walking, may be acting out of a dream
insomnia
inability to fall asleep, more prevalent in females, smokers, alcoholics and caffeine users. multiple causes such as medical, psychiatric or neurological conditions
