Sleep and Dreaming

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to sleep and dreaming, including definitions of physiological processes, disorders, and theories involved in sleep.

Consciousness

Our subjective awareness of ourselves and our environment.

Circadian Rhythm

Our biological clock of regular body rhythms that are roughly 24-hours.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Paired clusters of cells in the hypothalamus that control your circadian rhythm.

NREM Sleep

Non Rapid Eye Movement, which includes all stages of sleep except REM.

REM Sleep

Rapid Eye Movement; brain is very active, and vivid dreams may occur.

Sleep Spindle

Short bursts of high-frequency brain waves that occur during NREM-2.

REM Rebound

The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation.

Melatonin

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness, regulating sleep.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks.

Sleep Apnea

A disorder in which breathing stops during the night, sometimes requiring a CPAP machine.

Somnambulism

Sleepwalking, which is far more common in children and typically harmless.

Night Terrors

Episodes of intense fear, screaming, and flailing while still asleep, usually resolving at puberty.