AP Psych Sleep

Circadian Rhythm

The body’s sleep-wake cycle. It is like an internal clock that functions around a 24-hour cycle. It can be influenced by the environment.

Jet Lag

When a person’s internal clock is out of sync. (ex: someone changing time zones)

REM Sleep (paradoxical sleep)

(Rapid Eye Movement Sleep) Occurs when someone is sleeping and they’re eyes are rapidly moving. This is where vivid dreams commonly occur. Muscles are relaxed but other body systems are active. Is stage 4

N-REM Sleep (Non rapid eye movement sleep)

stages (1,2,3) This is where repairs tissues, etc. Theta + Beta waves

Beta Waves

Alert and awake state. Fast in Frequency, Low in amplitude.

Alpha Waves

Relaxed, but awake and alert. They occur just before sleep. Slower than Beta waves, but have a higher amplitude. Part of NREM stage 1.

Theta Waves

Drowsy. Slower, and has a greater amplitude than alpha waves. Are a part of NREM stage 2.

Delta Waves

Large, slow brain waves, associated with deep sleep. (N-REM 3) Slowest frequency, highest amplitude. Are a part of NREM stage 3.

hallucinations

false sensory experiences

hypnagogic sensations

feelings like falling, floating, or jerking movements while transitioning to asleep

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

A pair of cell clusters in the hypothalamus that controls the circadian rhythm. In response to light the SCN causes the pineal gland to adjust melatonin production which modifies our feeling of sleepiness.

Sleep Inertia

If awoken during NRem 3 will feel groggy

NREM Stage 1

Drowsy, Very light sleep. Hypnogogic sensations. Easily awakened. Least amount of time is spent in this stage

NREM Stage 2

Sleeping, but not in deep sleep. Most amount of time is spent in this stage.

NREM Stage 3

Deep Sleep, difficult to wake, difficult to awake someone, sleep inertia can occur. Stage is IMPORTANT for physical healing, immune system functioning, Memory (Sum1 can sleep walk during this stage)

Somnambulism

Sleep walking that occurs during NREM 3

Narcolepsy

When someone struggles to get sleep at night but will uncontrollably fall asleep during the day.

REM Sleep Disorder

When someone acts out their dreams as opposed to being paralyzed during this stage of sleep.

Sleep Apnea

Where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Activation Synthesis Theory

Which suggests that dreams are the brain’s way of trying to comprehend random neural activity during REM sleep.

Consolidation Theory

Suggests dreaming is the process of consolidating (making stronger/solid) memories, especially when short-term memory is moved to long-term memory. Focuses of sleeps role in memory and learning. Dreams are the brains way of processing and integrating new info.

Restoration Theory

Believes that sleep allows your body to restore and recover energy that was used during the day.

sleep spindles

Occur during stage 2 of NREM. High bursts of frequency