Physiological Psychology Lecture #5 Flashcards
Adenosine
Inhibitory.
1. Astrocytes store glycogen for “emergency energy”.
- Adenosine is by-product (ATP –> Adenosine)
- Accumulation of adenosine produces increase delta sleep.
- Adenosine increases steadily during day producing sleep feelings at night.
- Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors
What does sleep deprivation lead to?
Decrease in glycogen stores and increase in adenosine which leads to sleepiness.
Histamines
Drugs that prevent synthesis of histamine cause decreased wakeful sensation and increase sleepiness.
- Histamines activate the release of acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine
3 Groups of Ach Neurons:
- 1 in Hippocampus
- 2 located in the pons and forebrain
Cortical Desynchrony
- Low voltage mixed frequencies.
- Hallmark of REM sleep
- Contributes to belief that REM sleep may play an important role in facilitating synaptic plasticity of recently acquiring memory traces.
Serotonin
- Play a role in activation behavior.
- Low during REM sleep = limited movement.
Norepinephrine
Produces arousal and sleeplessness.
- Mediated by the locus coeruleus in the pons.
- Increase locus coeruleus firing = increase vigilance/focus
Orexin
- Secreted by hypothalamus
- Stimulates other neurons to promote alertness and energy metabolism in response to stress in the environment.
- High during alert or active waking, especially exploratory activity.
Melatonin
- Produced by the pineal gland in response to evening/darkness about 2 hours before normal sleep time.
- Serotonin is converted into melatonin.
Insomnia
- Effects 30% of adults.
- 40% of women, 30% of men
- High comorbidity rate with chronic medical conditions.
- Chronic use of sleep-promoting drugs can cause rebound insomnia.
Primary Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep after going to bed or after awakening during the night.
Secondary Insomnia
Inability to sleep due to another mental or physical condition.
Narcolepsy
- Orexin-Related Neurological d/o
- REM related symptoms occur inappropriately.
- > 85% orexin producing neurons.
- Hereditary component.
Sleep Attacks
Overwhelming urge to sleep.
- Triggered under boring and monotonous conditions.
- Lasts 2-5 minutes
- Wake up refreshed
Cataplexy
Sudden muscle weakness/paralysis.
- Triggered by strong emotional reaction to physical exertion.
- Remain fully conscious.
- Loss of muscle control due to massive inhibition of motor neurons in spinal cord.
Sleep Paralysis
Inability to move before onset of sleep or waking.
Narcolepsy Treatment
Modafinil, methylphenidate, SSRIs
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Lack of muscle paralysis during REM can lead to acting out dreams.
- Can be comorbid with narcolepsy.
- Typical onset 60+ years
- Believed to be neurodegenerative.
Treatment: Clonazepam.
Sleep Apnea
Difficulties sleeping and breathing at the same time.
- Wake up gasping for air and decrease slow wave activity.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Due to narrowing of airway (obesity, enlarged tonsils, hormonal changes)
Central Sleep Apnea
Brain does not signal need to breath.
Untreated Sleep Apnea
- Significant deficits in attention, memory, and executive functions.
- In kids, 2.5x risk of behavioral problems.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Treated vis CPAP, BiPAP
Alzheimer’s Disease
Disordered Cardiac Rhythm
- Body temperature lowers between 9-noon (rather than 4-5am)
