SLEEP

What is a circadian rhythm?

A biological rhythm that occurs over 24 hours, affecting sleep, hunger, concentration, etc.

What structure in the brain acts as the biological clock?

The suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus.

How does the suprachiasmatic nucleus synchronize with the external environment?

It receives light information through projections from the retina.

category of sleep

Stages 1-4 (non-REM sleep) and Stage 5 (REM sleep).

5 stages of sleep in order

1; transition, 2; falling asleep, 3&4; deep sleep, 5; Rapid eye movement sleep

What characterizes Stage 1 of sleep?

Transition from wakefulness to sleep, lasting 10-15 minutes with slowing brain waves.

What happens during Stage 2 of sleep?

Further slowing of brain waves with sleep spindles and K complexes helping to maintain state of sleep and memory storage, lasting around 20 minutes.

What is significant about Stages 3 and 4 of sleep?

They are deep sleep stages characterized by big delta waves, crucial for feeling rested.

What occurs during Stage 5 of sleep?

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, where brain waves resemble wakefulness and dreams occur.

What is REM rebound?

An increase in REM sleep following a period of sleep deprivation.

What are the effects of sleep deprivation?

Can lead to neuron degeneration, personality changes, ADHD-like symptoms, and increased risk of physical illnesses.

What is sleep displacement?

Being prevented from sleeping at the normal time but still able to sleep later.

What is insomnia?

Difficulty falling or staying asleep for at least three nights a week for at least one month.

What is paradoxical insomnia?

Individuals believe they are sleep deprived despite having a normal sleep cycle.

What are night terrors?

Sudden waking episodes characterized by screaming, sweating, and confusion.

What is sleep apnea?

A sleep disorder where breathing is obstructed or not initiated by the brain.

Obstructed sleep apnea

blocked airway by tongue

Central sleep apnea

brain does not initiate breathing

What is narcolepsy?

A disorder characterized by rapid and unexpected onset of sleep directly into REM.

What is REM behavior disorder?

A condition where individuals act out their dreams due to lack of paralysis during REM sleep.

What is somnambulism?

Walking while fully asleep, typically occurring during Stage 3 sleep.

According to Freud, what do dreams represent?

Unconscious wish fulfillment, distinguishing between latent and manifest content.

Provlem solving theory

representative of concerns about our daily lives, info reconsidered and reprocessed for daily survival

What is the activation synthesis theory of dreams?

It suggests dreams are a way to make sense of random brain activity during sleep. Less activation of PFC, active emotional and motivational centres, clue to dreamers dears, emotions and concerns

What are psychoactive drugs?

Substances that influence emotions, perceptions, and behaviors, potentially creating dependence.

What are stimulants?

Drugs that speed up activities of the nervous system, enhancing wakefulness and alertness.

How does cocaine affect the brain?

It blocks reabsorption of dopamine, flooding the brain and causing a 'high.'

What are hallucinogens?

Drugs capable of producing hallucinations or changes in perception.

What is the effect of MDMA on the brain?

It stimulates massive serotonin release, heightening physical sensations and altering mood.

What is cannabis-induced psychosis?

A condition characterized by hallucinations and delusions linked to high THC content.

What are depressants?

Drugs that reduce arousal and stimulation, often used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

What is the balanced placebo design?

A method that examines the role of expectations in social behavior and physiological effects.

Amphetamines

STIMULANT- methamphetamine stimulates the release of dopamine

MDMA

STIMULATION of massive amounts of serotonin release, chronic use requires more brain activity

MDMA & LSD

work primarily on SEROTONIN and alter PERCEPTION

LSD

HALLUCINOGEN producing vivid hallucinations, altering sensory perception and distortion

Marijuana

THC impairs memory consolidation due to cannabinoid receptors abundant in the HIPPOCAMPUS

Alcohol

stimulating at low doses via DOPAMINE

Quaaludes

sedative; CNS depressants, sedating and hypnotic, increasing GABA

Opioids

sedative; act on brains opioid receptors to reduce pain perception and produce euphoria

Barbiturates

sedative; reduce stress, sense of relaxation, psychologically and physically addictive