Module 8: Sleep and Dreams 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 (R) 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 minor twitches) but other body systems are active.
Alpha Waves
the relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state.
Hallucinations
false sensory experiences, such as seeing something in the absence of an external visual stimulus.
Delta Waves
the large, slow brain waves associated with deep sleep.
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)
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.
Insomnia
recurring problems in falling or staying asleep.
Narcolepsy
a sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks. The sufferer may lapse directly into REM sleep, often at inopportune times.
Sleep Apnea
a sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings.
Night Terrors
a sleep disorder characterized by high arousal and an appearance of being terrified; unlike nightmares, night terrors occur during N3 sleep, within two or three hours of falling asleep, and are seldom remembered.
Dream
a sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts passing through a sleeping person’s mind.
Manifest Content
according to Freud, the symbolic, remembered story line of a dream (as distinct from its latent, or hidden, content).
Latent Content
according to Freud, the underlying meaning of a dream (as distinct from its manifest content).
REM Rebound
the tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation.
