sleep-wake patterns

Question 1

Biological rhythms

Answer 1

e repeated biological processes that are regulated by internal mechanisms

Question 2

Circadian rhythms 

Answer 2

biological and behavioural changes that occur as part of a cycle that lasts around 24 hours

Question 3

Sleep-wake cycle 

Answer 3

a 24-hour-cycle that is made up of time spent sleeping and time being awake and alert

Question 4

Ultradian rhythms 

Answer 4

biological and behavioural changes that occur in a cycle that lasts less than 24 hours

Question 5

Sleep episode 

Answer 5

the full duration of time spent asleep, from falling asleep until waking up

Question 6

Sleep-cycle

Answer 6

a repeated approximate 90-minute-period in which an individual progresses through stages of REM and NREM (stages 1–3) sleep

Question 7

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) 

Answer 7

an area of the hypothalamus that is responsible for regulating an individual’s sleep-wake patterns

Question 8

Pineal gland

Answer 8

a gland in the brain responsible for the production and release of melatonin

Question 9

Melatonin 

Answer 9

a hormone released by the pineal gland typically at night time to induce sleep as part of the sleep-wake cycle

Question 10

process of the SCN

Answer 10

• SCN receives external and internal cues
• SCN sends neural messages (signals) to the pineal gland to produce and release melatonin
• pineal gland releases melatonin into the bloodstream, which promotes feelings of calm and relaxation, therefore promoting sleep

Question 11

cortisol

Answer 11

 a hormone that is responsible for increasing alertness and maintaining heightened arousal