Sleep and Dreaming Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the meaning of Consciousness?

A

It is the awareness of objects and events in the external world and our sensations, mental experiences and existence at any given moment.

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2
Q

What does Normal Waking Consciousness mean?

A

It is our awareness of internal states and external surroundings when we are awake and unaffected by sleep, drugs or other states.

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3
Q

What does Altered State of Consciousness mean?

A

It is anything that is not normal waking consciousness.

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4
Q

What is conscious experience associated with?

A

The activity of neurons in the brain.

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5
Q

What are four characteristics of consciousness?

A
  1. Personal (individual)
  2. Selective (choose what we think about)
  3. Continuous
  4. Changing
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6
Q

List the states of consciousness from most aware to least aware

A

-Total awareness
-Focused, selective attention (controlled processes)
-Daydreaming
-Meditative state
-Hypnotized
-Asleep
-Anaesthetised
-Unconscious (coma)
-Complete lack of awareness

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7
Q

What are the three characteristics of NWC?

A

-Attention (Selective and divided)
-Controlled vs automatic processes
-Content limitation

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8
Q

What does attention mean?

A

A concentration of mental activity that involves focusing on specific stimuli and ignoring other stimuli

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9
Q

Where can attention be focused in NWC?

A

-Can be focused internally or externally
-Can be selective or divided

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10
Q

What does selective attention mean? and an eg

A

Attending to certain stimuli while ignoring other stimuli
e.g pickpocketing

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11
Q

What are some factors that influence attention?

A

-If stimuli is personally important to you
-Changes in stimulation
-Novel stimuli (something new)

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12
Q

What does divided attention mean?

A

The ability to distribute one’s attention and undertake more than one activity at the same time.

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13
Q

What do Controlled processes mean?

A

When information processing requires conscious, alert awareness and mental effort.

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14
Q

What are some characteristics of Controlled processes?

A

-Focused on achieving a particular goal
-Associated with a difficult or unfamiliar task
-Involves serial processing (one thing then another)
e.g driving a car

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15
Q

What do Automatic processes mean?

A

When information processing involves little conscious awareness and mental effort

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16
Q

What are some characteristics of Automatic processes?

A

-Easy of familiar tasks
-Involves parallel processing (two things at one)
e.g singing while cleaning

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17
Q

What does Content Limitations in NWC mean?

A

Content refers to the type of information held in consciousness. ROLLOC; The type of info in NWC when compared to content in ASC is more restricted, more organized, more limited, more logical, more ordered and more controlled

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18
Q

What are some other characteristics of NWC?

A

-Perception is clear
-Memory; ability to store and retrieve info
-Time orientation
-Ability to process internal and external info

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19
Q

How are processing and consciousness related?

A

The LOWER the level of processing, the LOWER the level of consciousness

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20
Q

Define sleep

A

A reversible behavioral state of perceptual disengagement from and unresponsiveness to the environment

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21
Q

What does reversibility mean in reference to sleep?

A

You can be woken up

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22
Q

What does perceptual disengagement mean in reference to sleep?

A

It means that the sleeper has no awareness of sensory stimuli and is typically unresponsive to stimuli

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23
Q

What does the SCN stand for?

A

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

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24
Q

Where is the SCN located?

A

It is a tiny region of the brain in the hypothalamus. It is directly above the optic chiasm.

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25
Q

What is the optic chiasm?

A

It is a crossover of the two optic nerves

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26
Q

What does the SCN do?

A

It is responsible for controlling circadian rhythms. It detects the amount of light being sent to the brain for processing and then uses this info to influence amount of melatonin being released into the bloodstream. It is responsible for the ONSET of sleep.

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27
Q

What does circadian rhythms mean?

A

These are the sleep wake cycles that occur approximately every 24 hours.

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28
Q

What is Melatonin?

A

It is a hormone that is produced and secreted from the pineal gland and is associated with the sleep wake cycle.

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29
Q

What is the pineal gland?

A

It is a gland at the base of the brain which keeps track of the body’s natural cycles and registers external factors such as light an darkness.

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30
Q

What is the role of melatonin?

A

The more the light, the less melatonin is released. High levels of melatonin lead to sleepiness. Melatonin gradually builds up during the day.

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31
Q

Name the flowchart of how the SCN influences melatonin release?

A

LIGHT > EYES > SCN > PINEAL GLAND > MELATONIN RELEASE

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32
Q

What is the RAS?

A

Reticular Activating System. It is a network of neurons that extends out from the reticular formation to different parts of the brain and spinal cord.

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33
Q

What is the major purpose of the RAS?

A

Regulate cortical arousal. When we’re sleeping, we’re in a low cortical arousal, so the role of the RAS in sleep is to MAINTAIN the sleep state.

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34
Q

What are the major parts of the RAS?

A

-Reticular formation
-Thalamus

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35
Q

What is the Reticular Formation?

A

It is a structure running through the brain stem and up into the mid brain. It is critical in reducing stimuli that is sent to the cerebral cortex.
When RF stimulated = alertness
When RF damaged = coma

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36
Q

What is the role of the thalamus?

A

Acts as a sensory ‘way-station’ and filter for the rest of the brain.

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37
Q

What happens if there is damage to the thalamus?

A

-May cause loss of any sense (except smell)
-Attention difficulties (what to ignore and what to attend to)
-Lower arousal from lethargy to coma

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38
Q

What are the 3 methods to study sleep?

A
  1. Electroencephalograph
  2. Electromyograoh
  3. Electrooculogram
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39
Q

What does the EEG do?

A

It is a device used to detect, amplify and record electrical activity that is generated by the brain.

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40
Q

Explain the difference between Amplitude and Frequency in relation to brain waves

A

Amplitude; Refers to the intensity of the wave and is measured in wave height.
Frequency; Relates to how many occurs over time and is measured by how close the waves are to one another.

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41
Q

What is the acronym to remember the types of brainwaves?

A

‘Batman Ate The Donut’

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42
Q

List the types of brainwaves in order of most aware to least aware

A

Beta waves
Alpha waves
Theta waves
Delta waves

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43
Q

Describe Beta Brain Wave Patterns

A

High frequency and low amplitude. Associated with NWC and attentive to external stimuli (e.g someone who is awake and physically/mentally active)

44
Q

Describe Alpha Brain Wave Patterns

A

High frequency (slower than beta waves) and low amplitude. They are typically associated with a relaxed, calm, internally focused state.

45
Q

Describe Theta Brain Wave Patterns

A

Medium frequency (slower than alpha and beta waves) and a mixture of high and low amplitude waves. Associated with drowsiness, falling asleep etc

46
Q

Describe Delta Brain Wave Patterns

A

Lowest frequency of all and highest amplitude. Typically associated with deepest stage of sleep.

47
Q

What does the EMG do?

A

It is a device that detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of muscles. It shows the strength of electrical activity occurring in the muscles which indicates changes in muscle activity (movement) and muscles tone (tension)

48
Q

What does the EOG do?

A

It is a device for measuring eye movements or eye positions by detecting, amplifying and recording electrical activity in the eye muscles that controls eye movements.

48
Q

How much sleep should infants (0-24 months) get?

A

13.5 hours

48
Q

What are the two stages of sleep?

A
  1. Non-rapid eye movement (NREM)
  2. Rapid eye movement (REM)
48
Q

How much sleep should children (2-14 years) get?

A

11 hours

49
Q

How much sleep should adolescents (14-18 years) get?

A

8.5 hours

50
Q

How much sleep should adults (18-75 years) get?

A

6-8 hours

51
Q

How much sleep should elderly people (75+) get?

A

5-6 hours
-They wake up often

52
Q

What does NREM stand for?

A

Non-rapid eye movement sleeo

53
Q

What is the duration, characteristics and physiological changes of NREM stage 1?

A

Duration - 5-10 mins
Characteristics - Theta waves replace alpha waves
Physiological changes - lower level of bodily arousal (e.g Decreased heart rate, respiration, body temp and muscle tension)

54
Q

What is the duration, characteristics and physiological changes of NREM stage 2?

A

Duration - 20 mins
Characteristics - Sleep spindles and k complexes
Physiological changes - body movements lessen, breathing regulates, body temp and BP fall

54
Q

What is the duration, characteristics and physiological changes of NREM stage 3?

A

Duration - 10 mins
Characteristics - 20-50% delta waves, hard to wake up
Physiological changes - HR, BP and body temp continue to drop but regulate

54
Q

What is the duration, characteristics and physiological changes of NREM stage 4?

A

Duration - up to 20 mins (lessens each time)
Characteristics - More than 50% delta waves, muscles are completely relaxed, sleepwalking and sleeptalking
Physiological changes - similar to stage 3

55
Q

Explain REM sleep

A

Stands for rapid eye movement. It is a paradoxical form of sleep where there is high level of brain activity (EEG) but semi paralysis (EMG) and lots of rapid eye movement (EOG)

55
Q

What is the definition of dreaming?

A

A physiological and psychologically conscious state that occurs during sleep and is often characterised by a rich array of sensory, motor, emotional and other experiences

56
Q

What are some theories of why we have dreams?

A

-Help solve problems
-Incoorperate memories
-Process emotions

57
Q

In a study, what were some consequences people suffered when they weren’t able to dream?

A

-Anxiety
-Depression
-Weight gain
-Difficulty concentrating

58
Q

What are the two theories of dreaming?

A

-Pyscho Dynamic Theory
-Activation Synthesis Hypothesis

59
Q

Explain the psychodynamic theory of dreaming

A

Based on the theory of Sigmund Freud, it is the idea that dreams represent wish fulfilment and unconscious desires/conflicts. They have a manifest content (what the dream is really about) and a latent content (a hidden meaning)

60
Q

What is the hypothesis of the Activation Synthesis?

A

It is the idea that dreams are created by changes in neuron activity that activates the brainstem during REM sleep

61
Q

Explain the Activation Synthesis method

A

Chemicals that activate the nerves of the brainstem shift and change > as they change it triggers brain activity that activates memories that come to surface during REM sleep. It is the physiological activity of the brain. It is the brain trying to make sense of the neural activity by creating a story (dream)

62
Q

What is the definition of a sleep phenomena?

A

any observable experiences which occur during sleep. more common in child hood and early adolesence. Examples include nightmares and night terrors

63
Q

Explain nightmares.

A

They occur in REM sleep
Usually can recall in
Bad/frightening dream
More common in children

64
Q

Explain night terrors.

A

Occurs in stages 3 and 4 NREM sleep only
Sudden awakening from extremely distressed state
High level of arousal, increased HR and breathing
Often little or no recollection after the event

65
Q

Name three differences between nightmares and night terrors?

A

-Nightmares are more likely to be remembered than night terrors
-Night terrors occur in stage 3 and 4 of NREM sleep whereas nightmares mainly occur in REM sleep
-Night terrors are usually more upsetting than nightmares

66
Q

Name three similarities between nightmares and night terrors?

A

-Both occur during sleep
-Both associated with a fear response
-Both more likely in children

67
Q

What is a sleep disorder and what are the two types?

A

A sleep disorder is any problem that disrupts the normal NREM-REM sleep cycle

The two types are Dyssomnia and Parasomnia

68
Q

What is a dyssomnia and what are some examples?

A

It is a type of sleep disorder characterised by consistent problems with falling asleep, staying asleep or timing sleep. e.g hypersomnia, sleep apnoea

69
Q

What is a parasomnia and what are some examples?

A

A parasomnia is a type of sleep disorder which involves engaging in abnormal activities or tasks while initiating sleep or during sleep. e.g insomnia, sleep walking and talking

70
Q

What is Somnabulism and when does it occur?

A

It is sleep walking. It is a type of parasomnia. It usually occurs in stage 3 and 4 of NREM sleep (not paralysed) and lasts roughly 5-15mins

71
Q

What is Somniloquism andwhen does it occur?

A

It is sleep talking. It is a type of parasomnia. It occurs in NREM and REM sleep

72
Q

What are the two types of insomnia, explain them and what are the symptoms?

A

-Sleep onset insomnia = can’t get to sleep
-Sleep maintenance insomnia = can’t stay asleep

symptoms = not sleeping after trying for 30mins, waking for periods longer than 30 mins, a consistently reduced amount of total sleep

73
Q

What are the physiological and psychological causes for insomnia?

A

Physiological = medical problems, pain, alcohol and drug use
Psychological = a problem that causes stress, fear or anxiety

74
Q

What are some treatments for insomnia?

A

Medication, dealing with the underlying cause, relaxation and stress management, exercise and developing behavioural routines

75
Q

What is Hypersomnia? What are some causes?

A

It involves excessive sleepiness when awake and needing 12 or more hours of sleep per day. Causes = insomnia, depression, substance abuse

76
Q

What is sleep apnoea?

A

A temporary suspension in breathing for short period during sleep that usually ends in a loud snore, body jerk or arm flinging.

77
Q

What are some symptoms for sleep anoea?

A

Chronically tired in the day, decline in attention and learning abilities

78
Q

What are the causes of sleep apnoea?

A
  1. Failure of breathing centres of the brain
  2. Narrowing of airway into body
  3. May be related to chemical deficits in the brain
79
Q

What is the treatment for sleep apnoea?

A
  • Devices to clear airways to allow for oxygen flow (CPAP machine)
  • Surgery
  • Dental splints
80
Q

What are the two sleep theories?

A
  1. The restorative sleep theory
  2. The survival sleep theory
81
Q

What is the definition of the restorative sleep theory?

A

Sleep allows for body to recover and replenish energy used throughout the day.

82
Q

What is NREM responsible for restoring?

A

Restoring BODY

83
Q

What is REM responsible for restoring?

A

Restoring MIND

84
Q

What is evidence to support restorative theory of sleep?

A

-Ultra marathon runners need more sleep than normal
-Growth hormones released at greater rate when asleep than awake

85
Q

What is restorative theory criticisms?

A

-don’t actually know what is being restored-no restoration is carried out that cannot be done during the day
-Assumption that more sleep is needed to recover when physically active is questionable (less active or disabled people)

86
Q

What is the Survival theory of sleep?

A

Sleep has evolved to enhance the survival of an organism by making it inactive during the most vulnerable time of the day. Also called evolutionary/circadian theory

87
Q

What is some evidence for the survival theory of sleep?

A

Lions sleep for 17 hours whereas kangaroos only 3-4

88
Q

What are some criticisms of the survival theory of sleep?

A

-Why is sleep associated with loss of awareness when this would put the organism at greater risk
-why is sleep essential

89
Q

what is partial sleep deprivation?

A

sleeping for some time but not getting sufficient sleep

90
Q

what is total sleep deprivation?

A

not sleeping at all

91
Q

what is selective sleep deprivation?

A

not getting enough of a particular type of sleep

92
Q

what is chronic sleep deprivation?

A

loss of sleep over a prolonged period of time

93
Q

what is acute sleep deprivation?

A

no sleep for a short term period

94
Q

what are the consequences of loss of rem sleep?

A

rem rebound, more aggressive, higher anxiety, less able to concentrate

95
Q

what are the consequences of loss of nrem sleep?

A

-may hinder growth as loss of growth hormone
-may hinder restoration of body

96
Q

what is a sleep debt?

A

the difference between the amount of sleep someone needs and the amount the actually get.

97
Q

what is a microsleep?

A

It is a physiological effect after sleep deprivation and is a short period of NREM sleep where people shift into a microsleep for ~30 secs

98
Q

What is meditation?

A

It is the practice of turning your attention to a single point of reference. It means turning your attention away from distracting thoughts and focusing on the present moment. (eg focusing on breath)

99
Q

What type of brain waves occurs during mediation? And what are they important for?

A

Gamma wave. They are important for promoting higher states of awareness and increased brain function.

100
Q

What does rumination mean?

A

excessive thinking about negative past experiences

101
Q

What can meditation do?

A

Reduce worry