What is the circadian rhythm?
The body's natural 24-hour cycle regulating sleep-wake patterns, body temperature, and hormone release.
What is the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)?
The control center for the circadian rhythm, located in the hypothalamus.
What is melatonin?
A hormone that increases in the evening to prepare for sleep and decreases in the morning to wake up.
What are EEGs?
Electroencephalograms used to measure brain activity during sleep.
What are beta waves?
Brain waves associated with being awake and alert.
What are alpha waves?
Brain waves associated with being relaxed but still awake.
What are theta waves?
Brain waves present during NREM-1 sleep stage.
What are delta waves?
Slow brain waves that characterize NREM-3 (deep sleep).
What are sleep spindles?
Sudden bursts of rapid brain activity during NREM-2 sleep.
What is REM sleep?
A sleep stage with rapid eye movements, high brain activity, and dreaming; also known as paradoxical sleep.
What is sleep paralysis?
Muscle paralysis that can occur if awakened during REM sleep.
What is REM rebound?
Spending more time in REM sleep after being sleep-deprived.
Define manifest content (Freud).
The actual storyline of a dream.
Define latent content (Freud).
The underlying, symbolic meaning of a dream.
What are the effects of sleep deprivation?
Impaired concentration, drowsiness, weakened immune system, and increased risk of accidents.
What are the causes of insomnia?
Stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, and underlying medical conditions.
What are the effects of REM rebound?
Increased time spent in REM sleep, leading to more vivid dreams.
What causes night terrors?
Often triggered by fever, stress, or sleep deprivation, occurring during NREM-3.
What are the effects of sleep apnea?
Frequent awakenings, daytime sleepiness, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
What causes narcolepsy?
Likely genetic factors combined with environmental triggers, leading to sudden sleep attacks.
Compare night terrors and nightmares.
Night terrors occur in NREM-3, involve incoherent chatter/movement, and are common in children. Nightmares occur in REM sleep and are vivid dreams.
Compare insomnia and narcolepsy.
Insomnia is difficulty falling/staying asleep. Narcolepsy involves sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks.
Compare manifest and latent content in Freud's dream theory.
Manifest content is the dream's actual storyline, while latent content is the underlying, symbolic meaning.
