Intro to Neuroscience: Sleep and Waking

What are circadian rhythms?

The body’s internal, “biological clock”

Where is the “circadian clock” located and maintained?

In the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

Where does the suprachiasmatic nucleus get input from?

The optic nerves

As it gets dark, there is less SCN activity, allowing ____ to be released.

Melatonin

Where is melatonin secreted?

from the pineal gland

_____ levels drop to help you sleep and rise in the morning to help you wake up

Cortisol

Major Depressive Disorder is associated with _____.

A reduction in daylight hours during winter months

Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern may be caused by irregularities in ______ and _______.

Serotonin + Melatonin

What functions do EEG’s measure during sleep?

Brain function + muscle tone

Sleep stage one is associated with _____.

Theta and Alpha waves

In which stage of sleep are sleep spindles and k-complexes active?

Stage 2

In which sleep stage do delta waves predominate?

Stage 3 + 4

Which stage of sleep is associated with beta waves, eye movement, and muscular paralysis?

REM Sleep

The “body jerk” or sense of falling that occurs during sleep is called _____.

Hypnagogic hallucinations

How often does REM occur during sleep?

Every 90-120 minutes