Vocab regarding unit 2 of AP Psychology, takes a look at sleep and it's functions.
Circadian Rhythms
Our biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle
For example: Of temperatures and wakefulness
REM Sleep
Rapid Eye Movement sleep; A recurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur
Paradoxical sleep, muscles are relaxed but other body systems are active
NREM Sleep
Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep; encompasses all sleep stages except for REM sleep
Hypnogogic Sensations
Bizarre experiences, such as jerking or a feeling of falling or floating weightlessly, while transitioning to sleep
EEG Pattern: Alpha Waves
The relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state
EEG Pattern: Delta Waves
The large, slow brain waves associated with the deep sleep of NREM-3
Sleep Cycle
Consists of multiple stages: Light sleep (NREM Stage 1), Moderate sleep (NREM Stage 2), Deep Sleep (NREM Stage 3) and REM sleep
Repeats several times throughout the night, every 90 to 110 minutes
Duration of REM sleep increases while deep sleep decreases
Melatonin
Hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that help regulate sleep-wake cycles
Jet Lag
Temporary sleep disorder that occurs when a persons internal body clock is out of sync with the time zone they are in after traveling across multiple time zones
Affects circadian rhythms
Ghrelin
Hormone produced mainly through stomach that stimulates appetite and promotes food intake
Leptin
Hormones produced by adipose (fat) tissue that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger
Signals brain to reduce appetite/food intake
Cortisol
Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and low blood glucose levels
Insomnia
Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep
Narcolepsy
Sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks
May lapse directly into REM sleep
Sleep Apnea
A sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings
Somnambulism (Sleepwalking)
Disorder characterized by episodes of walking or performing other complex behaviors while in a state of sleep
Typically occurs during the NREM stages of sleep, usually the first third of the night
Activation-Synthesis Theory
Neurobiological explanation of dreaming that posits that dreams are created when the brain attempts to make sense of random neural activity that occurs during sleep
Electrical impulses synthesized into a narrative or story
Sleep across the lifespan
Refers to the changes in sleep patterns, duration and quality that occur from infancy through old age
REM Rebound
The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation
Consolidation Theory
Sleep is useful for organizing and consolidating memories or restoring depleted resources used throughout a given day
Consciousness
Our subjective awareness of ourselves and our environment