Module 16 - Sleep Patterns and Sleep Theories Flashcards
Sleep
A periodic, natural loss of consciousness—as distinct from unconsciousness resulting from a coma, general anesthesia, or hibernation
Circadian Rhythm
Our biological clock; regular bodily rhythms (for example, of temperature and wakefulness) that occur on a 24-hour cycle
REM Sleep
Rapid eye movement sleep; a recurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur. Also known as paradoxical sleep, because the muscles are relaxed (except for the minor twitches) but other body systems are active. Also includes increased heart rate rapid and irregular breathing
Alpha waves
The relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state (not actually sleeping yet!)
NREM Sleep
Non-rapid eye movement sleep; encompasses all sleep stages except for REM sleep
Hallucinations
False sensory experiences, such as seeing something in the absence of an external visual stimulus
Hypnagogic sensations
Bizarre experiences, such as jerking or a feeling of falling or floating weightlessly, while transitioning to sleep
Delta waves
The large, slow brain waves associated with the deep sleep of NREM-3
Suprachiasmatic nucleus
A pair of cell clusters in the hypothalamus that controls circadian rhythm. In response to light, the SCN causes the pineal gland to adjust melatonin production, thus modifying our feelings of sleepiness
What are the 4 sleep stages?
NREM-1, -2, -3, and REM
How does one normally transfer to REM sleep?
They generally go from NREM-3 to NREM-2 to REM. Many think that people go straight from NREM-3 to REM, which isn’t true.
What are the 5 proposed reasons for sleep?
Sleep may have played a protective role for our ancestors
Sleep helps us restore and repair damaged neurons
Sleep helps restore and rebuild our fading memories of the day’s experiences
Sleep promotes creative thinking
Sleep supports growth (such as muscle development)
NREM-1 sleep
Transition into NREM-1 sleep is characterized by slowed breathing and irregular brain waves. You may experience something akin to hallucinations, have a sensation of falling, or of floating weightlessly.
NREM-2 sleep
Characterized by further relaxation compared to NREM-1 sleep and sleep spindles
NREM-3 sleep
A transition from NREM-2 into a deep sleep. During NREM-3 sleep, your brain emits delta waves and you are hard to awaken
