Restorational Theory SLICE

Question 1

Summary

Answer 1

N-REM sleep for new tissue growth, muscle repair and removing waste chemicals. REM sleep for
replenishing neurotransmitters

Question 2

Links

Answer 2

Evidence for - Shapiro et al (1981) – Researchers studied ultramarathon runners and found that they slept for an
average of 90 minutes longer 2 days after running the ultramarathon, spending more time in N-Rem sleep
than before. This could be explained by their bodies need to repair more damage than if they did not run
an ultramarathon.

Evidence against - Lavie et al (1984) – 20-year-old got hit with shrapnel which then prevented him from entering REM sleep. However, this did not impact his cognition (as would be presumed because of his neurotransmitters not
being replenished) and he went on to study law with no issues.

Question 3

Implications

Answer 3

Memory problems if we don’t sleep enough – not being able to concentrate in class
Growth hormones secreted during NREM sleep – this is why babies sleep more.
Induced commas – used to help brain recovery

Question 4

Comparisons

Answer 4

Reorganisational theory – sleep not to grow and repair but to strengthen thoughts and
memories

Question 5

Evaluation

Answer 5

Strengths:
Explains why all mammals sleep
Explains poorer performance after lack of sleep
Backed up by evidence (Shapiro, rat study and P.Tripp)
Backed up by real-life (babies sleeping longer)
Weaknesses:
Too simplistic
Resting could be enough to restore the body
Sleep doesn't always increase as the activity level does