All Flashcards
How does jet lag affect the circadian rhythm?
Traveling across time zones throws your rhythm off, causing a mismatch between your internal clock and the external environment.
How does shift work affect the circadian rhythm?
Working nights or rotating shifts messes with your natural sleep schedule, disrupting the SCN's regulation.
How can treating sleep disorders improve daytime functioning?
Treating sleep disorders and keeping a regular sleep schedule can improve your attention, reaction time, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
How can a regular sleep schedule improve overall well-being?
It helps maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, leading to better physical and mental health.
What are the stages of sleep?
NREM Stage 1, NREM Stage 2, NREM Stage 3, REM sleep.
Describe the process of memory consolidation during sleep.
Brain replays and reinforces neural connections, moving them from short-term to long-term memory, especially during slow-wave and REM sleep.
Describe the progression of NREM stages during the night.
Stage 3 is longest in the first cycle and gets shorter later on.
Describe how REM sleep changes throughout the night.
REM sleep gets longer as the night goes on, with the longest periods in the second half of the night.
Explain the Activation-Synthesis Theory of dreams.
Dreams are the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity during REM sleep.
Explain the Consolidation Theory of dreams.
Dreams help process and consolidate memories, strengthening new information.
What is the Restoration Theory of sleep?
Sleep allows the brain to rest, repair, and restore optimal functioning.
What is memory consolidation?
The process by which sleep strengthens and stabilizes new memories.
What is the role of the SCN?
The SCN responds to light and dark, helping to keep your sleep-wake cycle in sync.
What is paradoxical sleep?
REM sleep is also called paradoxical sleep because the brain is highly active while the body is paralyzed.
Explain the concept of sleep disruptions.
Sleep disruptions happen when your internal clock doesn't match your external environment.
What is the impact of poor sleep on cognitive function?
Poor sleep messes with your attention, reaction time, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
What is the impact of chronic sleep deprivation on overall health?
Chronic sleep deprivation can increase your risk of obesity, heart problems, and mental health issues.
What are hypnagogic sensations?
Sensations, such as feeling like you're falling or jerking, that might occur during Stage 1 sleep.