All Flashcards
Explain the Activation-Synthesis Theory of dreams.
Dreams are the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity during REM sleep.
Explain the Consolidation Theory of dreams.
Dreams help process and consolidate memories, strengthening new information.
What is the Restoration Theory of sleep?
Sleep allows the brain to rest, repair, and restore optimal functioning.
What is memory consolidation?
The process by which sleep strengthens and stabilizes new memories.
What is the role of the SCN?
The SCN responds to light and dark, helping to keep your sleep-wake cycle in sync.
What is paradoxical sleep?
REM sleep is also called paradoxical sleep because the brain is highly active while the body is paralyzed.
Explain the concept of sleep disruptions.
Sleep disruptions happen when your internal clock doesn't match your external environment.
What is the impact of poor sleep on cognitive function?
Poor sleep messes with your attention, reaction time, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
What is the impact of chronic sleep deprivation on overall health?
Chronic sleep deprivation can increase your risk of obesity, heart problems, and mental health issues.
What are hypnagogic sensations?
Sensations, such as feeling like you're falling or jerking, that might occur during Stage 1 sleep.
What is consciousness?
Awareness of your thoughts, feelings, actions, and surroundings.
Define circadian rhythm.
A roughly 24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings.
What is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?
The brain structure in the hypothalamus that controls the circadian rhythm.
What is an EEG?
Electroencephalography; a test that measures brain activity.
Define NREM sleep.
Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep; encompasses sleep stages 1-3.
What are sleep spindles?
Bursts of brain activity seen on an EEG during Stage 2 sleep.
What are K-complexes?
Large, sudden brain waves seen on an EEG during Stage 2 sleep.
Define delta waves.
High-amplitude, low-frequency brain waves characteristic of Stage 3 NREM sleep.
What is REM sleep?
Rapid Eye Movement sleep; a stage of sleep characterized by brain activity similar to wakefulness and rapid eye movements.
Define muscle atonia.
Muscle paralysis experienced during REM sleep.
What is REM rebound?
The increase in REM sleep after being deprived of it.
Define insomnia.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
What is narcolepsy?
Excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
Define sleep apnea.
A sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
What are the effects of disrupting the SCN?
Disrupting the SCN can lead to irregular sleep-wake cycles, hormonal imbalances, and impaired cognitive function.
What are the causes and effects of sleep apnea?
Causes: Obesity, genetics. Effects: Fragmented sleep, low oxygen levels, increased risk of heart problems.
What are the causes and effects of insomnia?
Causes: Stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits. Effects: Difficulty falling/staying asleep, daytime fatigue, impaired cognitive function.
What are the causes and effects of narcolepsy?
Causes: Autoimmune destruction of hypocretin-producing cells. Effects: Excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, cataplexy.
What are the causes and effects of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)?
Causes: Neurological disorders, medication side effects. Effects: Loss of muscle atonia during REM, acting out dreams, potential injury.
What are the causes and effects of somnambulism (sleepwalking)?
Causes: Genetics, sleep deprivation, fever. Effects: Performing complex actions during sleep, lack of awareness, potential for injury.