Module 2 Lesson 4 - Sleep and Dream Theories

Question 1

Circadian Rhythm

Answer 1

Characterized by, or occurring in roughly 24-hour periods or cycles, for a biological activity or function.

Question 2

States of Consciousness

Answer 2

The various levels of consciousness of an individual.

Question 3

Stages of Sleep Cycle

Answer 3

The four stages of sleep experienced by an individual during a 90-minute period.

Question 4

Insomnia

Answer 4

Prolonged and usually abnormal inability to get enough sleep.

Question 5

Sleep apnea

Answer 5

Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing) that recurs during sleep, usually caused by the obstruction of an airway or a disturbance in the respiratory center of the brain.

Question 6

REM Sleep

Answer 6

A stage of sleep defined by rapid eye movement, such that the body is hard to wake up. Vivid dreams commonly occur.

Question 7

Sleep Deprivation

Answer 7

The lack of sleep.

Question 8

Hypnosis

Answer 8

A trancelike state resembling sleep, induced by one whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject.

Question 9

Alpha Waves

Answer 9

The slow brain waves.

Question 10

Delta Waves

Answer 10

Slow brain waves associated with sleep.

Question 11

Posthypnotic Suggestion

Answer 11

A suggestion made during the hypnosis sessions; this is to be carried out after the patient is no longer hypnotized.

Question 12

Sleep Spindles

Answer 12

The burst of oscillatory brain activity as seen on an EEG, occurs during stage 2 of sleep.

Question 13

Non-REM sleep (NREM)

Answer 13

Stages 1 through 4 of the sleep cycle during which rapid eye movements are not occurring and dreaming is not as frequent or vivid.

Question 14

What is sleep? Why do we sleep?

Answer 14

A periodic, natural, reversible, and near total loss of consciousness.

For recuperation, growth, and mental function.

Question 15

Hypnagogic Sensations

Answer 15

Brief moments when you feel like you’re falling; a jerk. (NREM-1)

Question 16

What are the 4 stages of the sleep cycle and how often do they repeat?

Answer 16

1. Non-rapid movement 1
2. Non-rapid movement 2
3. Non-rapid movement 3
4. Rapid Eye Movement (REM sleep)
   Lasts every 90 minutes

Question 17

The study of dreams is called…
Who started this study? What was the theory?

Answer 17

Oneirology. It is a mix of psychology and neuroscience. In Sigmund Freud’s landmark 1900 book “The Interpretation of Dreams,” he believed that dreams were wish-fulfillment.

Question 18

What is the Information Processing Theory?

Answer 18

A theory proposing that dreams help people sort out and process the day’s events and fix them into memories.

Question 19

What is the Physiological Function Theory?

Answer 19

A theory suggesting that dreaming may promote neural development and preserve neural pathways by providing the brain with stimulation.

So dreams are part of the cognitive development since they draw on knowledge and understanding of the world, mimicking reality.

It is that dreams are the brain’s way of processing neurobiological activity.

Question 20

What is the Freudian dream interpretation?

Answer 20

Freud believed in wish-fulfillment, a dream theory in which one expresses unacceptable feelings which contain deeper meanings.

Question 21

Describe Stage 1 of sleep. What waves are produced?

Answer 21

Non-rapid eye movement 1. You are typically “thinking” about falling asleep but can still be easily awakened. Your brain starts producing theta waves, as well as alpha and beta brain waves. You may experience hypnagogic hallucinations: including hearing and seeing things that are not really there. “The Tetris Effect”

Question 22

Describe stage 2 of sleep. What waves are produced?

Answer 22

Describe stage 2 of sleep. What waves are produced?
It is much harder to wake up a person in this stage, who is now in deep relaxation. There are more theta waves, as well as sleep spindles and K-complexes. Spindles are bursts of rapid, rhythmic activity. This stage lasts about 20 minutes.

Question 23

Describe stage 3 of sleep.

Answer 23

“Slow wave sleep” - These are delta waves. When walking or talking occurs in sleep, it occurs in stage 3 of NREM.

Question 24

Describe the final stage of sleep.

Answer 24

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) - Eyes move rapidly, there are vivid dreams, and muscles will almost seem paralyzed, also known as paradoxical sleep.

Question 25

What is insomnia and how can it be treated?

Answer 25

Insomnia is when a person has a difficult time falling or even staying asleep. This can be due to psychiatric and medical conditions, sleep habits, or even certain drugs.

Non-medical treatments for insomnia include walking before bedtime, relaxing, and meditating.

Cognitive treatments include sticking to a rigid schedule or eliminating naps during the day. Some medical treatments also exist such as OTC and prescription medication.

Question 26

What is narcolepsy and how can it be treated?

Answer 26

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by a lot of sleepiness, sleep attacks, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, or the sudden loss of muscle control (cataplexy).

There is currently no cure for this, but lifestyle changes that can improve these symptoms include good sleep habits, napping, knowing when to be alert, and developing self-awareness.

Question 27

What is sleep apnea and how can it be treated?

Answer 27

Sleep apnea is when a person’s airways become blocked, leading to trouble breathing. This is serious because it prevents a person from getting sufficient sleep during the night.

To treat this, doctors must monitor brain activity while a person sleeps, usually for eight hours. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure device) may be prescribed to help the patient breathe consistently.

Question 28

What are night terrors and how can they be treated?

Answer 28

Night terrors are frightening and extremely disturbing dreams, usually for young children but also adults. They can include large pupils, increased blood pressure, and even cause the sleeper to become agitated.