Biological Psychology - Sleep and Circadian Rhythm

EEG waves: wake vs sleep

Wake = beta; NREM = theta/delta; REM = beta-like.

Wakefulness EEG/EOG/EMG

EEG beta, EOG active, EMG high tone.

NREM EEG/EOG/EMG

EEG theta→delta, EOG minimal, EMG reduced.

REM EEG/EOG/EMG

EEG beta-like, EOG rapid eye movements, EMG atonia.

REM vs NREM sleep

REM: vivid dreams, paralysis. NREM: restorative, slow wave sleep.

Arguments for REM sleep

Supports memory, learning, and emotional regulation.

Arguments against REM sleep

Some animals function well with very little REM.

Characteristics of dreaming

REM dreams are vivid; NREM dreams are simpler; may aid emotional and memory processing.

Functions of sleep

Supports energy conservation, memory consolidation, immune function.

Brain nuclei in wakefulness

Locus coeruleus (NE), raphe nuclei (5-HT), TMN (histamine), basal forebrain (ACh).

Brain nuclei in sleep

VLPO releases GABA to promote sleep; pons ACh neurons trigger REM.

Sleep disorders

Insomnia, narcolepsy (orexin loss), sleep apnea, night terrors, REM behavior disorder.