Unit 1 Topic 4 - Human Consciousness and Sleep

Question 1

Outline the continuum of arousal from sleep to hyperarousal (1.4.1.1)

Answer 1

Sleep
Daydreaming
Divided Attention (automatic)
Selected Attention (controlled)
Hyperarousal

Question 2

Define arousal (1.4.1.1)

Answer 2

a state of being physically awake and alert

Question 3

Distinguish between selective + divided attention (1.4.1.2)

Answer 3

Selective - full attention on one stimulus
Divided - attention focused on multiple stimuli

Question 4

How does brain structures and hormones regulate and direct consciousness (1.4.1.3)

Answer 4

The cerebrum - with its cerebral cortex, gives us conscious control of our actions.
Hypothalamus - regulates consciousness
Pituitary Gland - releases hormones that target specific glands and tissues in the body

Question 5

Recall the techniques used to measure consciousness (1.4.1.4)

Answer 5

EEG - detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the brain in the form of brain waves
EMG - detects, amplifies and records electrical activity of muscles
EOG - detects, amplifies and records electrical activity of muscles that allow the eye to move

Question 6

Describe the sleep wake cycle with reference to REM and NREM sleep (1.4.1.5)

Answer 6

NREM SLEEP:
stage 1 - drifting in and out of sleep, HR/BR irregular, body temp normal, muscle relatively tense
stage 2 - light sleep, slower and more regular HR/BR, body temp lower, lower muscle tension
stage 3 - moderately deep sleep, as above
stage 4 - deep sleep, slow and regular HR/BR, body temp lowest, low muscle tension (relaxed)
REM SLEEP:
light sleep, HR&BR increases & fluctuates, body temp unregulated

Question 7

Compare restoration and evolutionary theories of sleep (1.4.1.6)

Answer 7

Restoration - REPLENISH, to recharge, grow and recover from physical and psychological work during the day, explains why sleep is important
Evolutionary - to increase chances of survival, explains when and why different species sleep
*restoration is more favourable theory

Question 8

Summarise changes in the sleep-wake cycle across the life span, including the sleep-wake shift (1.4.1.7)
Mary Carskadon (2011)

Answer 8

STUDY: demonstrated that students with a later start time, getting almost one hour more sleep, are
less sleepy during the day and are showing improved grades
- as age increases, sleep decreases
(most likely response to data question)

Question 9

Explain the effects of total and partial sleep deprivation on concentration and mood (1.4.1.8)

Answer 9

Partial - not getting enough sleep to meet you needs
Total - not sleeping for an entire 24-hour period
Sleep deprivation lowers concentration and negatively effects a persons mood.

Question 10

Compare the following sleep disorders (1.4.1.9)
- Narcolepsy
- Sleep-Onset Insomnia
- Sleep Apnoea
- Sleep Walking

Answer 10

Narcolepsy - causes sudden and unexpected sleeping
Sleep-Onset Insomnia - causes difficulty falling asleep
Sleep Apnoea - cessation of breathing during sleep
Sleep Walking - walking whilst asleep

Question 11

Evaluate the following treatments for sleep disorders (1.4.1.10)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Bright Light Therapy

Answer 11

CBT - focuses on breaking unhealthy patterns and replace these with positive habits and coping skills and is known to be effective
BLT - high-intensity light to advance or delay sleep, hence, treating circadian rhythm disorders and is also effective to some extent

Question 12

List and define the biological rhythms of sleep

Answer 12

circadian - 24 hours, balance of sleep and wakefulness
infradian - more than 24 hours
ultradian - less than 24 hours