states of consciousness pt 2

Question 1

internal rhythms of biological activity. Ex: a woman’s menstrual cycle (a recurring, cyclical pattern of bodily changes.

Answer 1

biological rhythm

Question 2

a biological rhythm that takes place over a period of about 24 hours. Ex: our sleep wake cycle

Answer 2

circadian rhythm

Question 3

the tendency to maintain a balance, or optimal level, within a biological system.

Answer 3

homeostasis

Question 4

a consistent difficulty in falling or staying asleep for at least three nights a week over a month’s time

Answer 4

insomnia

Question 5

a collection of symptoms that results from the mismatch between our internal circadian cycles and our environment.

Answer 5

jet lag

Question 6

a hormone that is an important regulator of sleep-wake cycles

Answer 6

melatonin

Question 7

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.

Answer 7

pineal gland

Question 8

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.

Answer 8

rotating shift work

Question 9

a state marked by relatively low levels of physical activity and reduced sensory awareness.

Answer 9

sleep

Question 10

does not get sufficient sleep on a chronic basis. The consequences of this include decreased levels of alertness and mental efficiency.

Answer 10

sleep debt

Question 11

refers to the brain’s control of switching between sleep and wakefulness as well as coordinating this cycle with the outside world.

Answer 11

sleep regulation

Question 12

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.

Answer 12

suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

Question 13

characterized by high levels of sensory awareness, thought, and behavior

Answer 13

wakefulness