Biological Rhythms and Sleep Disorders

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to biological rhythms, sleep disorders, sleep hygiene practices, and drug classifications.

Circadian rhythms

Biological processes that occur on a cycle of approximately 24 hours.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing that last at least 10 seconds.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness.

Insomnia

A condition of persistent difficulty in falling or staying asleep.

Sleep hygiene practices

Behaviors that are likely to help improve sleep quality, such as not eating or drinking close to bedtime and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

Activation-synthesis theory

A theory proposing that dreams are our brain's interpretation of the random firing of neurons in the brain stem.

Cannabinoid

A class of drugs that includes examples like marijuana.

Stimulant

A class of drugs that includes examples like nicotine.

Opioid

A class of drugs that includes examples like codeine.

Depressant

A class of drugs that includes examples like alcohol.