Week 7 (A) - Complete Flashcards
(10 cards)
In the context of understanding the reasons for sleep, what is Energy Conservation Theory?
The idea that sleep conserves energy
and that being asleep may conserve even more energy than simply being immobile
Do we like Energy Conservation Theory?
Hmmm a bit ambivalent.
Seems that sleep is somewhat associated with slower metabolism, but it’s a small change, and doesn’t cross all species
What’s the relationship between sleep duration and body mass?
Negatively correlated, more strongly in herbivores
What’s the relationship between enchephalisation (ratio of brain to body) and sleep?
Related to % of REM sleep, but not SWS
Also related to sleep CYCLE length - Larger ratio, smaller sleep cycles
In the context of understanding the reasons for sleep, what is Immobility Theory?
Circadian system causes rest-activity cycle.
Sleep has evolved to ensure immobility during the rest phase.
Thus, sleep acts to support and reinforce the circadian organisation of behaviour.
What species don’t do postpartum sleep?
Killer whales and dolphins
What is cool about seals
Seasonal variation in how they sleep
In winter (living in water) - unihemispheric sleep, and no REM
In summer (on land) - bilateral nREM and REM
What is cool about the White Crowned Sparrow
It appears to just not sleep for a whole season, during it’s migration, without apparent impairment
What is cool about Frigatebirds
They sleep while they fly
Both uni and bi hemispheric, including REM effects
What are FIVE reasons we think sleep serves a [urpose
- Numerous brain pathways to maintain sleep/ redundancy in the system.
- Serious physiological changes/death result from prolonged sleep deprivation of animals.
- Sleep is ubiquitous among mammals, birds and reptiles; and probably exists in amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
- Sleep has persisted in evolution even though it is apparently maladaptive with respect to other functions.
- Accommodations are made to permit sleep in different environments and life styles.
