Sleep Stages and Functions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to sleep stages and their functions, including types of sleep, brain structures involved, as well as theories related to dreaming.

Slow-Wave Sleep (SWS)

The deepest stage of sleep crucial for physical restoration.

REM Sleep

Stage of sleep where brain activity resembles waking, characterized by vivid dreaming and muscle paralysis, except for eyes and breathing.

Paradoxical Sleep

Another term for REM sleep, indicating the conflicting states of an active brain and inactive muscles.

Reticular Formation

A part of the brainstem that controls arousal and wakefulness.

Pontomesencephalon

Area in the brain that stimulates alertness.

Locus Coeruleus

A region in the brain that releases norepinephrine during wakefulness.

Basal Forebrain

Region of the brain that releases GABA to promote sleep.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

Regulates the timing of sleep.

Energy Conservation

A function of sleep where body temperature and metabolism drop.

Memory Consolidation

The process that occurs during REM and slow-wave sleep, aiding in the stabilization of memories.

Emotional Regulation

The ability of sleep to help manage stress and mood.

Active Synthesis Theory

Theory proposing that dreams are the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity.

Clinico-Anatomical Hypothesis

Theory that suggests dreams reflect brain activity related to recent memories and emotional concerns.

Purpose of Dreams

May assist with emotional processing, memory, or problem-solving.