Chapter 6 The Demand for Sleep

Question 1

Define consciousness

Answer 1

Consciousness refers to our awareness of something either internal or external to yourself.

Question 2

Define states of consciousness

Answer 2

The different states of awareness that we experience.

Question 3

Define Normal Waking Consciousness (NWC)

Answer 3

Normal waking consciousness refers to the state of consciousness associated with being awake and aware of objects and events in the external world, and of one’s sensations, mental experiences and own existence.

Question 4

Define Altered State of Consciousness (ASC)

Answer 4

Any state of consciousness that is significantly different from normal waking consciousness or any waking state in terms of level of awareness and experience.

Question 5

Which ASCs are naturally occurring?

Answer 5

Sleep, dreaming during sleep and daydreaming when awake.

Question 6

Which ASCs are induced?

Answer 6

Meditation, hypnosis, alcohol ingestion or by taking certain medications or illegal drugs.

Question 7

Define Sleep

Answer 7

A regularly occurring ASC that typically occurs naturally and is primarily characterised by partial or total suspension of conscious awareness.

Question 8

Define Psychological Construct

Answer 8

A concept, description or explanatory model that is ‘constructed’ to describe specific ‘psychological’ activity, or a pattern of associated activities or processes.

Question 9

Define Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer 9

A method of studying brain waves produced during sleep.

Question 10

Define Electromyography (EMG)

Answer 10

A method of studying the electrical activity of muscles produced during sleep.

Question 11

Define Electro-oculargraphy (EOG)

Answer 11

A method of measuring eye movements or eye positions during sleep.

Question 12

Define Sleep Diary

Answer 12

A ‘log’ used to self-record and self-report sleep and waking time activities over a period of time, usually one week or more.

Question 13

Define Biological Rhythms

Answer 13

A naturally occurring cycle of physiological, psychological or behavioural changes.

Question 14

Define Circadian Rhythm

Answer 14

Involves physiological, psychological or behavioural changes that occur as part of cycle with a duration of approximately 24 hours.

Question 15

Define Biological Clock

Answer 15

an innate timing mechanism that regulates the cycle of a biological rhythm.

Question 16

Define Endogenous

Answer 16

Originating within an organism.

Question 17

Define Exogenous

Answer 17

Originating outside an organism.

Question 18

Define Ultradian Rhythm

Answer 18

A biological rhythm that involves physiological, psychological or behavioural changes that occur as part of a cycle shorter than 24 hours.

Question 19

Define Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Answer 19

The master biological clock that regulates the timing and activity of the sleep–wake cycle

Question 20

Define Melatonin

Answer 20

A hormone that is involved in the initiation of sleep and in the regulation of the sleep–wake cycle

Question 21

Define NREM Sleep

Answer 21

Non-rapid eye movements sleep with three stages involving increasingly deeper sleep.

Question 22

Define REM Sleep

Answer 22

Rapid eye movement sleep.

Question 23

Define Hypnogram

Answer 23

A sleep graph typically showing sleep types and stages in relation to time.

Question 24

Define Sleep Onset

Answer 24

The transition period from being awake to being asleep.

Question 25

Define Sleep Latency

Answer 25

The length of time it takes to transition from being awake to being asleep.

Question 26

Define Alpha Brain Wave Pattern

Answer 26

Associated with a relaxed, calm, internally focused wakeful state of consciousness, especially if eyes are closed.

Question 27

Define Arousal Threshold

Answer 27

An individual’s sensitivity to being woken from a sleep state.

Question 28

Define Beta Brain Wave Pattern

Answer 28

Associated with alertness and intensive mental activity during normal waking consciousness; also present during REM sleep dreams.

Question 29

Define Brain Wave

Answer 29

An electrical impulse in the brain.

Question 30

Define Brain Wave Patterns

Answer 30

Patterns of electrical activity occurring in the brain.

Question 31

Define Delta Brain Wave Pattern

Answer 31

Associated with deep, dreamless sleep or unconsciousness.

Question 32

Define Theta Brain Wave Pattern

Answer 32

Associated with drowsiness, falling asleep and creative activities.

Question 33

Define Video Monitoring

Answer 33

One or more video cameras to monitor and record externally observable physiological responses throughout a sleep episode.

Question 34

Define Sleep-Wake Cycle/Pattern

Answer 34

The 24 hour daily sleep pattern which consists of approximately 16 hours of daytime wakefulness and 8 hours of night-time sleep