Chapter 1 - Sleeping Flashcards
What is the Menstrual cycle an example of?
It is an example of an Infradian biological rhythm!
What is biological Rhythms
Regular patterns of physiological, behavioural or cognitive activity.
What is hibernation an example of?
Hibernation in animals is an example of infradian biological rhythm!
What is the Circadian rhythm?
Biological rhythms with a cycle length of 24hrs
What is an Infradian rhythms?
Biological rhythms with a cycle length of more than one day!
What is the Ultradian?
Biological rhythms that have more than one cycle within 24hrs but last less than 24hrs!
What is the term Zeitgebers?
It is a German term which means “Time-givers” which refers to the external stimuli important for the accurate control of biological rhythms!
What is the endogenous pace makers?
These are internal body clocks that regulate biological rhythms. There are two main components, the SCN = Supra Chiasmatic Nucleus and the Pineal gland!
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemicals in the brain that are important for transmitting information across the synapse!
What is Nocturnal?
Animals that are active at night but sleep at rest during the day!
What is the term Diurnal?
A term that is used to refer to animals that are active during the day and sleep at rest during the night!
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
A form of depression that in some people repeatedly occurs during the winter months, which may therefore be associated with winter months!
What is Melatonin?
It is a hormone secreted by the Pineal gland to control many important aspects of the biological rhythms!
What is REM?
A type of sleep characterised by desynchronised EEG pattern, associated with dreaming!
What is the SCN?
SupraChiasmatic nucleus is a group of neurones in the hypothalamus structure of the brain, most important endogenous pacemaker and controls the Pineal gland, and have their own regular rhythms of activity!
