Sleep Important Terms Flashcards
biological clocks
cyclical nature of body function. Functions controlled from within the body are synchronized with environmental factors; same meaning as biorhythm
cataplexy
condition characterized by sudden muscular weakness and loss of muscle tone
circadian rhythm
repetition of certain physiological phenomena within a 24-hour cycle
excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
extreme fatigue felt during the day. signs of this include falling asleep at inappropriate times such as while eating, talking, or driving. may indicate a sleep disorder
hypersomnolence
excessive daytime sleepiness despite having adequate nighttime sleep
hypnotics
class of drug that causes insensibility to pain and induces sleep
insomnia
condition characterized by chronic inability to sleep or remain asleep through the night
narcolepsy
syndrome involving sudden sleep attacks that a person cannot inhibit. uncontrollable desire to sleep may occur several times during a day
nocturia
urination at night; can be symptom of renal disease or may occur in persons who drink excessive amounts of fluids before bedtime
nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep
sleep that occurs during the first four stages of normal sleep
polysomnogram
use of EEG, EMG, and EOG to monitor stages of sleep and wakefulness during nighttime sleep
rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
stage of sleep in which dreaming and rapid eye movements are prominent; important for mental restoration
sedatives
medications that produce a calming effect by decreasing functional activity, diminishing irritability, and allaying excitement
sleep apnea
cessation of breathing for a time during sleep
sleep deprivation
condition resulting from a decrease in the amount, quality, and consistency of sleep
