Biorhythms, Sleep, and Dreaming

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to the lecture on biorhythms, sleep, and dreaming. Each card provides a term alongside its definition to aid in study and retention.

Biorhythms

Cyclic variation in a process over time, typically lasting around 24 hours.

Circadian rhythms

Rhythms that last approximately 24 hours, found in many organisms and thought to enhance fitness.

Melatonin

A hormone linked with sleep regulation that increases before sleep onset.

SCN (Suprachiasmatic Nucleus)

A region of the hypothalamus that is critical for maintaining circadian rhythms.

Sleep architecture

The structure and pattern of sleep cycles, including NREM and REM stages.

Polysomnography

A comprehensive sleep study used to diagnose sleep disorders by collecting physiological data.

Chronotype

An individual's natural preference for being active at certain times of day, often classified as 'early bird' or 'night owl'.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can be acute or chronic.

Cataplexy

A sudden loss of muscle tone typically triggered by emotional arousal, commonly associated with narcolepsy.

REM sleep

The stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement and dreaming, important for memory consolidation.

Cortisol

A hormone that typically rises prior to waking and is involved in the body's stress response.

Atonia

Lack of muscle tone during REM sleep, preventing individuals from acting out their dreams.

Dream Protection Theory

A theory suggesting that dreams serve to transform aggressive and sexual instincts into symbols for wish fulfillment.

Thalamic stimulation

An essential process for the transition into sleep and the generation of sleep patterns.