Biology of Sleep
What occurs every 24 hours in which there is a cyclical biological change?
Circadian rhythm
There are how many stages of sleep? How long is one cycle?
5 stages; 90 minutes
How long does REM sleep last before returning to previous cycles?
10-20 min
What is the most common sleep disorder?
insomnia
What is Freud's Dream Protection Theory?
Dreams transform our sexual and aggressive instincts into symbols that represent wish fulfillment
Fill in the blank: falling asleep is triggered by an increase in _____
melatonin
What is the main difference between Stage 5 and Stages 1-4?
REM sleep occurs during stage 5; vivid dreams occur during this stage
When does REM rebound occur?
when we don't rest well for several nights
What should you do or avoid doing to beat insomnia?
Do: hide clocks, sleep in a cool room, regular schedule
Don’t: drink caffeine, take naps, read in bed, watch TV/use computer before bed
How does Activation-Synthesis Theory explain dreams?
Dreams reflect the brains attempt to make sense of random and internally generated neural signals during REM
What could cause health problems like heart problems, high blood pressure, etc.?
Disruptions in circadian rhythm (due to jet lag, etc.)
What are sleep spindles and in which stage does it occur?
stage 2; sudden burst of electrical activity lasting 12-14 sec
Why do rapid eye movements occur?
TRICK QUESTION: it's unknown
Which sleep disorder is most common in children & is harmless?
night terrors
Damage to _______ and ________ can eliminate dreams completely, even if pons/brainstem is intact
forebrain; parietal lobes
How much sleep does 1% of the population need?
6 hours
Which stages are most affected by alcohol?
Stages 3 and 4
What are the differences between Non-REM and REM dreams?
NREM Dreams
- Shorter
- More thought like
- Repetitive
- Concerned w daily tasks
REM Dreams
- More dreams
- Emotional, illogical
- Prone to plot shifts
- Biologically crucial to health
In which sleep disorder would one wake briefly hundreds of times per night, causing fatigue and other heath problems?
Sleep apnea
How does Neurocognitive Theory explain dreams?
Dreams are a meaningful product of our cognitive capacities, which shape what we dream about
What is microsleep and when does it occur?
Occurs when you haven't slept in a while; it's when you fall asleep for a few seconds
In which stage of sleep does one experience "hypnagogic imagery" and "myoclonic jerks"?
stage 1
How is REM paradoxical?
our bodies are paralyzed but our brains are active
Which sleep disorder is due to lack of orexin production
narcolepsy
What did the Babylonians believe were the meaning of dreams?
dreams were sent by gods