Psychology Sleep

EEG

detects amplifies and records the electrical activity of the brain.

REM= high frequency and low amplitude and shows beta like waves

NREM= low frequency and high amplitude and delta or theta like waves

EOG

detects amplifies and records the electrical activity of the muscles around the eye.

REM= high activity

NREM= low activity

EMG

detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of the body’s muscles.

REM= paralysis

NREM= movement

Ultradian Rhythm

biological and behavioural changes that occur more than once in a cycle that is less than 24 hours

Circadian Rhythm

biological and behavioural changes that occur as part of a cycle that lasts around 24 hours.

Melatonin Release Procedure

1. the retina detects the absence or presence of light and signals the SCN

2. the SCN then signals the pineal gland in the hypothalamus to suppress melatonin if there is bright light to decrease sleepiness or it signals the pineal gland to release melatonin if there are low levels of light to induce sleepiness

Full Sleep Deprivation

is going without sleep for a 24 hour period

Partial Sleep Deprivation

refers to having some sleep in a 24 hour period but not getting enough for optimal daytime functioning

Sleep Deprivation

refers to the lack of adequate quantity or quality of sleep required for optimal daytime functioning

Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder

a type of circadian sleep disorder in which sleep and waking occurs earlier than usual.

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

a type of circadian sleep disorder in which sleep and waking occurs later than usual.

Biological: delayed release of melatonin means they get sleepier later

Social: stress from busy schedule and homework

Bright Light Therapy

a method used to adjust a persons circadian rhythm through exposure to a high intensity light source.

DSPS= morning

ASPD= evening

Zeitgebers

external or environmental cues that help synchronise our sleep wake cycle.

Light

limiting light exposure before sleep to promote sleepiness and increasing light exposure in the mornings to promote wakefulness

Temperature

having a cold room and warm body leads to optimal sleep

Food and Drink

limiting caffeinated drinks and sugary foods, as they promote wakefulness and hinder a persons ability to fall asleep and have a good quality and quantity of sleep.

BAC and Sleep Deprivation effects on driving

17 hours= 0.05%BAC and 24 hours= 0.1%BAC

impact on driving ability as it means they would have impaired decision making and have slower reaction times to any obstacles whilst driving.