Sleep theories

Question 1

What is the restorative sleep theory?

Answer 1

• sleep allows for the body the recover and replenish energy used throughout day
• NREM= restoring body
• REM=restoring mind, bedding down memories
• ^ immunity , ^ alertness + consolidates memories

Question 2

Evidence to support the restorative theory?

Answer 2

• ultra marathon runners -> post race sleep requirements
• growth hormones ^ rate
• evidence from sleep lab
• rats die from breakdown of body tissue -> 3 weeks b/c of deprived sleep

Question 3

Criticisms of the restorative theory?

Answer 3

• X know what is actually restored + X restoration is carried out that cannot be done during the day
• assumption = ^ sleep needed to recover when physically active = questionable (disabled ppl)

Question 4

What is the survival theory?

Answer 4

Sleep has evolved to enhance the survival of organism by making it inactive during the most vulnerable times of day

• while asleep = ^ active + likely to attract predator
• sleep depends on:
• need to find food
• animals vulnerability to predators
• sleep conserves energy

Question 5

What are criticism of the survival theory

Answer 5

• why is sleep associated w loss of awareness -> place organism at ^ risk
• why is sleep essential? X getting enough sleep -> fatal consequences