SLEEP, CIRCADIAN CLOCKS, AND BRAIN RHYTHMS - Lecture 19

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on sleep, circadian rhythms, and brain mechanics.

Circadian Rhythms

Daily cycles of light and dark that influence physiological processes.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A method to measure generalized cortical activity, using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Alpha rhythms

Brain waves of frequency 8-13 Hz associated with quiet, waking states.

Delta rhythms

Slow brain waves with frequency <4 Hz, hallmark of deep sleep.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A technique for recording tiny magnetic signals generated by neural activity.

Non-REM Sleep

Sleep stage characterized by occasional involuntary movements and slow, large-amplitude EEG rhythms.

REM Sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep where dreaming occurs, characterized by low-amplitude EEG waves.

Seizures

Sudden disturbances in electrical activity in the brain, can lead to convulsions.

Epilepsy

A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.

Pacemaker

A leadership mechanism that issues orders for synchronous rhythms in the brain.

Collective behavior

A mechanism for synchronous rhythms derived from the combined action of multiple brain cells.

Sleep deprivation

The condition of not having enough sleep, leading to impaired functioning.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that plays a critical role in regulating sleep and wakefulness.

Adenosine

A sleep-promoting factor released by neurons that has inhibitory effects on wakefulness.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

A neurotransmitter that plays a major role in inhibiting neural activity and promoting sleep.

Thalamus

A brain structure that regulates the flow of sensory information to the cortex, particularly during sleep.

Cerebral Cortex

Layer of neural tissue covering the brain, involved in complex brain functions including consciousness.

Sleep Apnea

A disorder marked by pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality.

Restoration theory of sleep

The idea that sleep serves the function of rest and recovery for the brain and body.

Adaptation theory of sleep

The hypothesis that sleep serves as a strategy for energy conservation.

Sleep cycle

The pattern of alternating between non-REM and REM sleep, typically occurring every 90 minutes.

Biological Clock

The internal mechanism regulating circadian rhythms in an organism.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

The brain's master clock that regulates circadian rhythms based on light exposure.

Melatonin

A hormone released at night to facilitate sleep, inhibited by daylight.

Theta rhythms

Brain waves of frequency 4-7 Hz, occurring during certain sleep stages.

Generalized seizure

A seizure that involves the entire cerebrum and results in total behavior disruption.

Partial seizure (focal seizure)

A seizure that originates from a specific area of the cortex, causing localized symptoms.

Absence seizure

A brief seizure type characterized by a loss of consciousness and specific EEG patterns.

EEG Rhythms

Categorization of brain activity based on frequency, indicating different states of consciousness.

Neural mechanisms of sleep

Systems in the brain that regulate the stages and quality of sleep.

Cholinergic neurons

Neurons that release acetylcholine, influencing states of wakefulness and REM sleep.

Diffusion modulating neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that influence large-scale patterns of brain activity related to sleep.

Sleep-related memory consolidation

The process during sleep where memories formed while awake are consolidated.

Eye Movement in REM

Characteristics of REM sleep, including rapid movements of the eyes, while the body remains paralyzed.

Physiological changes during sleep

Variations in heart rate, respiration, and other bodily functions during non-REM and REM sleep.