Sleep and Dreams Part 2

Why do we sleep? (Physical Restoration)

Revive the tired body.

Why do we sleep? (Immune Function)

Build up resistance to infection.

Why do we sleep? (Mental Recovery)

Help us recover from stress.

Altered State of Consciousness

Any mental state noticeably different from normal waking consciousness.

Example of Altered State: Sleep

A natural, periodic loss of consciousness.

Example of Altered State: Drug Influence

Altered perception and consciousness due to substances.

Example of Altered State: Meditation

A focused state of awareness and relaxation.

Example of Altered State: Hypnosis

A state of heightened suggestibility and focused attention.

Example of Altered State: Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprivation, which alters cognitive function.

Example of Altered State: High Fever

An elevated body temperature that can cause delirium.

Example of Altered State: Dreaming

Images, thoughts, and emotions occurring during sleep.

Example of Altered State: Monotonous Stimulation

Repetitive, boring stimuli that can alter awareness (e.g., highway hypnosis).

Purpose of REM Sleep: Learning

Without it, we learn more slowly.

Purpose of REM Sleep: Memory

Without it, we forget more rapidly what we have learned.

Purpose of REM Sleep: Infant Development

Helps brain development in infants.

Purpose of REM Sleep: Adult Brain

Exercises brain cells in adults.

Purpose of REM Sleep: Sensory Deprivation

Prevents sensory deprivation by providing internal stimulation.

Purpose of REM Sleep: Memory Consolidation

Sorts and integrates memory formed during the day.

Purpose of REM Sleep: Emotional Regulation

Acts as a "safety valve" for stress and emotions.

Dream Symbol: Falling

Represents a loss of control.

Dream Symbol: Flying

Represents freedom or breaking free.

Dream Symbol: Running in Place

Feeling stuck in a situation.

Dream Symbol: Death

Represents the ending of the old and the beginning of the new.

Dream Symbol: Not Ready for Exams

The "overachiever’s nightmare"; feeling unprepared.

Dream Symbol: Losing Teeth

Represents a general "loss"; anxiety about getting older.

Dream Symbol: Pregnancy & Birth

Symbolizes any new project or area of life opening to change or growth.

Dream Symbol: Water / Drowning

Symbolizes overwhelming emotions; can't swim to land = fear of failure.

SIDS (Acronym)

Stands for: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

SIDS (Alias)

AKA: crib death.

SIDS (Definition)

The abrupt, unpredictable death of a baby that remains unexplained after a complete investigation and autopsy.

Potential Cause of SIDS: Brain Defect

An anatomical defect in the brain.

Potential Cause of SIDS: Immune System

An abnormality in the immune system.

Potential Cause of SIDS: Metabolism

A metabolic disorder.

Potential Cause of SIDS: Breathing

An immaturity in breathing regulation.

Potential Cause of SIDS: Heartbeat

A heartbeat irregularity.

SIDS Risk Factor: Sleep Position

Babies put to sleep on their stomachs or on their sides.

SIDS Risk Factor: Smoke

Babies exposed to secondhand smoke.

SIDS Risk Factor: Mother's Age

Babies born to a teenage mother.

SIDS Risk Factor: Family History

A sibling of a baby who died of SIDS.

SIDS Risk Factor: Birth Condition

Babies born prematurely or with a low birth weight.

1 Way to Reduce SIDS Risk

Always place your baby on its back to sleep.

SIDS Prevention: Checkups

Attend well-baby checkups for prenatal and postnatal care.

SIDS Prevention: Air Quality

Maintain a clean air, smoke-free environment.

SIDS Prevention: Pacifier

Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.

SIDS Prevention: Bedding

Use a firm sleep surface with no soft bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals.

SIDS Prevention: Crib Placement

Place the crib in the parents' room (but baby in own space) for at least the first 6 months.