Sleep Physiology and Disorders

Question 1

Sleep is a state of unconsciousness. True/False?

Answer 1

False
Can respond when stimulated

Question 2

What are the key differences between REM and non-REM sleep?

Answer 2

Non-REM: start of night, relaxed muscles, reduced blood flow
REM: end of night, increased brain activity, atonic muscles, increased blood flow

Question 3

Which sleep is essential for survival - REM or non-REM?

Answer 3

Non-REM sleep
Enables cortex to recover after busy day

Question 4

REM sleep is more common in which age group?

Answer 4

Neonates and young children

Question 5

According to circadian rhythm, at what times do we get most sleepy?

Answer 5

4am
2pm

Question 6

What is a zeitgaber?

Answer 6

Exogenous cues that can influence the timing of our body clock e.g. temperature, drinking, social patterns, exercise

Question 7

How many hours of sleep is recommended?

Answer 7

7-7.5 hours

Question 8

A mid-afternoon nap of 15 minutes is equivalent to __ mins of overnight sleep

Answer 8

A mid-afternoon nap of 15 minutes is equivalent to 90 mins of overnight sleep

Question 9

List prefrontal effects of lack of sleep

Answer 9

Irritability
Hallucinations
Illusions
Concentration lapses

Question 10

Well-rehearsed tasks can be performed effectively even with lack of sleep. True/False?

Answer 10

True
Alertness is compromised however

Question 11

What is narcolepsy?

Answer 11

Sudden “sleep seizure”

Question 12

List clinical features of narcolepsy

Answer 12

Daytime sleepiness
Involuntary sleepiness
Cataplexy
Hallucinations
Sleep paralysis

Question 13

List investigations for narcolepsy

Answer 13

Overnight study: EEG, nasal/jaw sensor
Sleep latency test- used to measure the extent of daytime sleepiness
Lumbar puncture for CSF hypocretin- low in narcolepsy

Question 14

What is cataplexy?

Answer 14

Sudden muscle weakness that occurs while a person is awake