Learning and Memory Systems, Sleep Biology, and Circadian Rhythms

These flashcards cover key concepts related to learning, memory systems, sleep biology, and circadian rhythms, focusing on definitions and explanations of various terms.

Learning

Any process that changes the brain or behavior based on experience.

Long Term Differentiation

Modification of synapses based on experience or repeated stimulation.

Neurons that fire together wire together

A principle of synaptic strengthening through repeated activation.

NMDA receptors

Receptors that open to allow calcium into the postsynaptic neuron, playing a crucial role in learning and memory.

Glutamate

An important neurotransmitter released from the presynaptic neuron that increases synaptic responsiveness.

Pavlovian Conditioning

A basic form of learning where a stimulus is associated with a response.

Upwards Conditioning

Learning through actions and consequences, commonly observed in animals.

Implicit Memory

A type of memory that influences behavior unconsciously without intention.

Explicit Memory

Memory involving intentional encoding and retrieval of information.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes that cycle approximately every 24 hours, including sleep-wake cycles.

Sleep Deprivation

Lack of adequate sleep, which negatively impacts health and cognitive functioning.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

The main pacemaker of circadian rhythms, located above the optic chiasm.

Endogenous Clocks

Internal biological clocks regulating various biological processes and rhythms.

Zeitgebers

Environmental cues that synchronize biological rhythms, such as light and meals.

Light Pollution

Artificial light at night that disrupts natural circadian rhythms.

Melanopsin

A photosensitive pigment in retinal ganglion cells that is sensitive to blue light.

Beta Rhythm

Brain wave pattern associated with alertness and active concentration.

Delta Rhythm

Slow brain waves associated with deep sleep.

REM Sleep

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and muscular atonia.

Non-REM Sleep

Sleep stages excluding REM, with distinct characteristics for various levels of depth.

Muscular Atonia

A temporary paralysis of voluntary muscles during REM sleep.

Sleep Cycles

Repeated patterns of sleep stages occurring throughout the night, typically lasting about 90 minutes.

Circannual Rhythms

Biological cycles that relate to the annual seasonal changes, like hibernation.

Circadian Clocks

Biological systems that regulate daily rhythms, including sleep and wakefulness.

Ultradian Rhythms

Repeats of biological cycles occurring multiple times in a day, such as meal times.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

A type of depression that occurs at specific times of year, typically in winter.

Bunker Study

A research study investigating the persistence of circadian rhythms in isolation.

Sleep Study

A clinical test to monitor sleep stages and diagnose sleep disorders.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A test that detects electrical activity in the brain to determine sleep stages.

EMG (Electromyogram)

A technique to record the electrical activity of muscles, used to gauge movement during sleep.

EOG (Electrooculogram)

A test measuring eye movements, especially during sleep stages.

Sleep Paradox

The phenomenon where despite adequate sleep duration, individuals can still feel exhausted.

Biohacking

Techniques and practices aimed at optimizing health, including sleep improvements.

Chronic Sleep Deprivation

Extended periods of inadequate sleep leading to serious health consequences.

Sleep Anxiety

Worries and stress regarding inability to sleep, potentially exacerbating sleep issues.

Placebo Effect

The effect where a person experiences a benefit from treatment due to their expectations.

Melatonin

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, often used to aid sleep.

Alpha Rhythm

Brain wave pattern associated with relaxed, quiet states of mind.

Theta Wave

Brain wave activity associated with light sleep and deep relaxation.

Sleep Hygiene

Practices that promote consistent, quality sleep.

Napping

Short periods of sleep taken during the day to boost alertness or performance.

Dream Recall

The ability to remember dreams after waking.

Sleep Paralysis

A phenomenon where a person is temporarily unable to move or speak when falling asleep or waking up.

Sleep Phases

The various stages of sleep, including wakefulness, REM, and non-REM sleep.

Sleep Quality

A subjective measure of how well one sleeps, including factors like duration and restfulness.

Chronotype

An individual's natural preference for being active during certain times of day.

Cortisol Levels

A hormone released in response to stress, with varying levels throughout the day.

Sleep Architecture

The structure and pattern of sleep cycles over a period, including different stages.

Polyphasic Sleep

A sleep pattern involving multiple sleep phases throughout a 24-hour cycle instead of one continuous sleep.

Sleep Efficiency

The ratio of total sleep time to the amount of time spent in bed.

Sleep Consolidation

The process of the brain organizing and strengthening memories during sleep.

Catnap

A short nap taken during the day, typically less than 30 minutes.

Night Shift Work

Having a job that requires working during nighttime hours, disrupting natural sleep patterns.

Circadian Misalignment

When an individual's internal clock does not align with external environmental cues.

Sleep Disorders

Medical conditions that interfere with sleep quality, quantity, or timing.