AP Psych Unit 1 Quiz #3

Sleep

a periodic, natural loss of consciousness — as distinct from unconsciousness resulting from a coma, general anesthesia, or hibernation. (Adapted from Dement, 1999.)

Circadian Rhythm

our biological clock; regular bodily rhythms (for example, of temperature and wakefulness) that occur on a 24-hour cycle

REM Sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep; a recurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur. Also known as paradoxical sleep, because the muscles are relaxed (except for minor twitches) but other body systems are active. (Sometimes called R sleep)

Alpha Waves

the relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state

NREM Waves

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 (Also called hypnic sensations)

Delta Waves

the large, slow brain waves associated with deep sleep

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

a pair of cell clusters in the hypothalamus that controls circadian rhythm. In response to light, the SCN adjusts 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 affected person may lapse directly into REM sleep, often at inopportune times.

Sleep Apnea

a sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

A sleep disorder in which normal REM does not occur; instead, twitching, talking, or even kicking or punching may occur, often acting out one's dream.

Dream

a sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts passing through a sleeping person's mind.

REM Rebound

the tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation.

Sensation

the process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment

Sensory Receptors

sensory nerve endings that respond to stimuli

Perception

the process by which our brain organizes and interprets sensory information, enabling us to recognize objects and events as meaningful.

Bottom-Up Processing

information processing that begins with the sensory receptors and works up to the brain's integration of sensory information

Top-Down Processing

information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, as when we construct perceptions drawing on our experience and expectations