Sleep

Question 1

Why do we need sleep

Answer 1

• Important for physical and mental well-being
• Sleep effects cognitive
• Severe sleep deprivation can cause death

Question 2

How is sleep associated with Alzheimers

Answer 2

• Alzheimer’s patients have a build up of a toxic protein in the brain called beta-amyloid
• Lack of sleep increases the same protein

Question 3

NREM Stages

Answer 3

• N1, N2, N3&4
• Waves become slower at each stage
• N3 is the deepest stage
• We cycle through these at night

Question 4

Sleep Stage 1

Answer 4

• Transition stage between wakefulness and deeper sleep
• It is a light sleep
• Brain activity begins to slow
• Slow eye movement
• Last around 1-7 minutes

Question 5

Sleep Stage 2

Answer 5

• Muscles relax
• Decreased body temperature
• Sleep spindles: Sudden bursts of activity on an EEG which helps with memory consolidation
• K-complexes on EEG: Large, slow waves that occur as a result of external stimuli
• 10-15 minutes
• Followed by a non-REM sleep that is typically followed by REM

Question 6

Sleep Stage 3&4

Answer 6

• High voltage, low frequency brain waves
• Slow wave/deep sleep
• Restorative sleep where the body engages in vital processes like muscle growth and the release of growth hormones
• 20-40 minutes

Question 7

REM Sleep

Answer 7

• Rapid eye movement that are quick and sporadic signalling the beginning of REM
• Vivid, emotionally charged dreaming
• Increased brain activity
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiratory rate
• Type of paralysis that prevents you from acting out your dreams

Question 8

How does sleep change with age

Answer 8

• Sleep disorders tend to increase
• Women tend to have more sleeping issues
• Changes in the patterns of our sleep
• We become lighter sleepers

Question 9

Factors that influence sleep changes

Answer 9

• Medications
• Medical Conditions
• Cognitive Factors
• Psychological Factors
• Lifestyle and Environment

Question 10

Why does sleep change with age

Answer 10

• We spend less time sleeping
• It takes us longer to fall asleep
• Advanced circadian phase meaning we go to bed early and wake up early
• Reduced slow wave and REM sleep
• WE are more easily awoken
• Fragmented sleep where we are awoken multiple times in the night
• All of this contributes to more naps in the day which can also make it more hard to fall asleep at night