Quiz on States of Consciousness

Biological Rhythms

Regular changes in our bodies and minds controlled by internal biological clocks.

Circadian Rhythm

Our biological clock that controls bodily rhythms on a 24-hour cycle.

Hypothalamus

The part of the brain that controls the circadian rhythm.

Melatonin

A sleep-inducing hormone.

Adenosine

A chemical that builds up while we are awake and makes us feel sleepy.

Jet Lag

When traveling across time zones disrupts our biological clock.

Artificial Light

Light from phones and light bulbs that can delay sleep.

Caffeine

Blocks adenosine's activity, making us feel less sleepy.

Alpha Waves

Brain waves associated with being awake and relaxed.

Stage 1 Sleep

A brief transitional stage with slowed breathing and irregular brain waves.

Stage 1 Hallucinations

May occur during the transition into sleep.

Stage 2 Sleep

A deeper sleep stage lasting about 20 minutes.

Sleep Spindles

Bursts of rapid, rhythmic brain activity during Stage 2 sleep.

Stage 2 Sleep Talking

Sleep talking can occur during Stage 2.

Stage 3 Sleep

A few-minute transition into Stage 4 deep sleep.

Stage 4 Sleep

Deep sleep characterized by delta waves.

Delta Waves

Brain waves associated with deep sleep.

Stage 5 REM Sleep

Rapid eye movement; vivid dreams are common.

REM

Rapid Eye Movement; the stage when vivid dreams commonly occur.

REM Muscle Paralysis

Temporary muscle paralysis that prevents us from acting out our dreams.

Sleep Cycle

We move through different stages of sleep in approximately 90-minute cycles.

Sleep Deprivation

Not getting enough sleep.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, difficulty studying, mistakes, and slower reaction times.

Sleep Deprivation and Memory

Can cause memory impairment and difficulty concentrating.

Sleep Deprivation and Immune System

Suppresses the immune system, making it harder to fight illness.

Sleep Deprivation and Accidents

Increases the chances of driving and other accidents.

Why Do We Need Sleep?

Sleep protects, recuperates, remembers, supports critical and creative thinking, and helps us grow.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder involving recurring problems falling asleep or staying asleep.

Insomnia Quick Fixes

Sleeping pills and alcohol can aggravate the problem.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder involving uncontrollable sleep attacks.

Narcolepsy and REM

People with narcolepsy may fall directly into REM sleep.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder involving temporary stops in breathing during sleep.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Repeated brief awakenings, gasping for air, daytime tiredness, and irritability.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

A mask can help keep the airway open and breathing regular.

Night Terrors

A sleep disorder involving high arousal and appearing terrified.

Night Terrors Sleep Stage

Stage 4 (N3) deep sleep.

Night Terrors Timing

Usually occur within 2-3 hours of falling asleep.

Night Terrors Memory

Usually not remembered afterward.

Night Terrors Who Is Affected?

Mostly children.

Nightmares

Occur during REM sleep, usually later in the night or in the morning.

Sleepwalking

Walking while still asleep; occurs during Stage 4 (N3) deep sleep.

Sleepwalking Memory

Usually not remembered the next day.

Sleepwalking Who Is Affected?

Children are most prone to sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking and Genetics

Sleepwalking can run in families.

Sleepwalking and Age

Becomes rare after age 40.

Night Terrors vs. Nightmares

Night terrors occur during Stage 4 deep sleep; nightmares occur during REM sleep.

Sleep Paralysis

When your brain wakes up but your body remains temporarily paralyzed from REM sleep.

Why Does Sleep Paralysis Happen?

The brain becomes conscious before REM muscle paralysis ends.

REM Atonia

The natural relaxation and temporary paralysis of muscles during REM sleep.

Sleep Paralysis Duration

Usually lasts a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Sleep Paralysis Symptoms

Inability to move or speak, hallucinations, chest pressure, floating sensations, fear, and anxiety.

Intruder Hallucinations

A type of hallucination during sleep paralysis involving a perceived presence.

Sleep Paralysis Triggers

Sleep deprivation, sleeping on your back, stress, anxiety, and certain sleep disorders.

Sleep Paralysis Prevention

Consistent sleep schedules, avoiding caffeine close to bedtime, relaxation, and a cool, dark bedroom.