Sleep physiology, Hypothalamus, Thalamus, Limbic system Flashcards
What structure in the hypothalamus regulates the sleep cycle via circadian rhythm
Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
What hormones does the circadian rhythm control the nocturnal release of?
- ACTH
- Prolactin
- Melatonin
- NE
The pineal gland releases melatonin, how is this initiated - what structure initiates it?
SCN releases NE
- NE influences the pineal gland to release melatonin
What is SCN regulated by?
Environment (light)
What drugs will decrease N3 sleep and REM sleep?
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
What EEG waves dominate the N1 stage of sleep?
Theta
What waves have the highest frequency and lowest amplitude?
Beta (awake, eyes open)
What waves have the lowest frequency and highest amplitude?
Delta (stage N3)
During what stage of sleep does bruxism occur?
Stage N2
How are benzos useful for night terrors and sleepwalking?
Occur during stage N3 of sleep cycle and benzodiazepines reduce N3 and REM sleep
What are the 4 stages of sleep?
- Stage N1 (theta)
- Stage N2 (sleep spindles and K complexes)
- Stage N3 (delta)
- REM sleep (Beta waves)
During what stage of sleep do sleep spindles and K complexes form on EEG?
Stage N2
What percetage of sleep does each stage take up?
- Stage N1 (5%)
- Stage N2 (45%)
- Stage N3 (25%)
- REM sleep (25%)
How often does REM sleep occur?
Every 90 minutes, duration of REM increases through the night
The activity of what causes eye movements during REM sleep?
PPRF (Paramedian pontine reticular formation / conjugate gaze centre)
What wave forms will be seen on EEG during REM sleep?
Beta waves
Sleepwalking, night terrrors and bedwetting occur during what stage of sleep?
Stage N3
What stage of sleep has sexual arousal and possibly serves as a memory processing function?
REM sleep
Describe the physiological changes which occur during the REM stage of sleep?
- Loss of motor tone
- Increased brain O2 use
- Variable HR/BP
- Increased ACh
What changes occur in sleep in the elderly?
- Decreased REM
- Decreased N3
- Increased sleep latency
- Increased early awakenings
What changes occur in sleep in depression?
- Increased REM
- Decreased REM latency
- Decreased N3
- Repeated nightime awakenings
- Early morning awakening (terminal insomnia)