Unit 5 Flashcards
Sleep
A periodic, natural loss of consciousness - as distinct from unconsciousness resulting from a coma, a general anesthesia, or hibernation
Circadian rhythm
Our biological clock; regulatory bodily rhythms (temp and wakefulness) that occur on a 24-hour cycle
REM sleep
Rapid eye movement sleep, a reoccurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur (paradoxical sleep) b/c the muscles are relaxed (except for minor twitches) but other body systems are active
Alpha waves
The relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state
NREM Sleep
Non-rapid eye movement sleep; encompasses all sleep stages except for REM sleep
Hallucinations
False sensory experiences, such as seeing something in the absence of an external visual stimulus
Hypnagogic sensations
Bizarre experiences such as jerking or a feeling of falling or floating weightlessly, while transitioning to sleep
Delta waves
The large, slow brain waves associated with the deep sleep of NREM-3
Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
A pair of cell clusters in the hypothalamus that controls circadian rhythm. In response to light, the SCN causes the pineal gland to adjust melatonin production, thus modifying our feelings of sleepiness
Insomnia
Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep
Narcolepsy
A sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks. The sufferer may lapse directly into REM sleep, often at inopportune (inconvenient/inappropriate) times.
Sleep apnea
A sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations (endings) of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings
Night terrors
A sleep disorder characterized by high arousal and an appearance of being terrified; unlike nightmares, night terrors occur during NREM-3 sleep, within 2 or 3 hours of falling asleep, and are seldom remembered
Dream
A sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts passing through a sleeping person’s mind
Manifest content
According to Freud, the symbolic, remembered story line of a dream (as distinct from its latent, or hidden content)