Sleep Theories and Biological Drives in KIN240

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key theories related to sleep and its biological underpinnings as discussed in the lecture notes.

Circadian Rhythm

A biological clock that follows a 24-hour cycle, predominantly driven by daylight.

Homeostatic Sleep Pressure

The accumulated need to sleep during prolonged periods of wakefulness, often referred to as sleep debt.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

The central pacemaker of the circadian system, responsible for regulating daily sleep and wake cycles.

Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Nucleus (DMH)

A critical hub of the circadian system that coordinates wake-promoting signals.

Ventrolateral Preoptic Nucleus (VLPO)

A brain region that promotes sleep by sending inhibitory signals to wake-promoting pathways.

Energy Conservation Theory

A theory suggesting that sleep is advantageous for adopting a low-energy state during periods of low opportunity for energy accumulation.

Restorative Theory of Sleep

A theory that sleep provides an opportunity for cellular renewal and repair that may not be possible during waking states.

Memory Consolidation Theory

The theory that sleep helps in the reorganization and strengthening of neural networks important for memory and cognitive function.

Protective Field Theory of Sleep

A theory that explains the biological basis for different sleep stages and suggests that sleep stages minimize the risk of predation.

Thermogenic Hypothesis

The hypothesis that changes in core body temperature during and after physical activity may promote better sleep outcomes.

Light Exposure Hypothesis

The hypothesis that physical activity provides opportunities for greater exposure to light, which may improve sleep quality.