The functions, features and benefits of sleep

Question 1

dreaming is a …. and ..
What does this suggest?

Answer 1

universal behaviour = everyone does it
instinctive = we cannot stop ourselves from sleeping
Suggests that it is an evolved behaviour which aids survival

Question 2

2 reasons for why sleep is important

Answer 2

• Sleep helps us keep safe
  Humans tend to sleep when its dark. When its dark we are prone to predators that can see us but we can’t see them.
  When we are asleep = less likely to spot because we don’t make noise or move. If we venture out in dark = more prone to accidents therefore we are active during day light
• Sleep is good for a healthy brain
  Research shows that REM sleep rests the brain after all that synaptic activity that has taken place during the day .This process is crucial for our brains to consolidate memory as well as protect established memory. The space between brain cells increase when we sleep = allows brain to clear out toxins associated with neurodegenerations

Question 3

State another 2 reasons for why sleep is important

Answer 3

• Sleep is important for physical repair
  A healthy body relies on slow wave sleep, particularly in healing of cells such as those in the cardiovascular system. It can also be used to balance out hormones in the body such as those that regulate feelings of hunger and fullness or increase blood sugar levels. When we sleep our immune system activity increases, killing bacteria and viruses in large numbers . Deep sleep = can trigger release of hormones important for boost, repair.
• Sleep plays a role in emotional stability
  getting good nights sleep = wake up feeling alert and re- energised.
  More rest = less stressful hormones released (cortisiol)

Question 4

Define slow wave sleep

Answer 4

• A type of deep sleep where brain activity is slow