Understanding Sleep and Dreaming: Biological Rhythms and Disorders

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

Master biological clock regulating circadian rhythms.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes cycling approximately every 24 hours.

Zeitgeber

Environmental cue that regulates biological rhythms.

Jet Lag

Fatigue from rapid time zone changes.

Light Pollution

Artificial light disrupting natural circadian rhythms.

Endogenous Rhythm

Biological rhythm not influenced by external cues.

Chronotypes

Individual differences in sleep-wake patterns.

REM Sleep

Sleep stage with vivid dreaming and muscle atonia.

NREM Sleep

Non-dreaming sleep with multiple stages.

Polysomnography (PSG)

Comprehensive sleep study using EEG monitoring.

Beta Rhythm

Brain wave pattern during alert waking state.

Alpha Rhythm

Brain wave pattern during relaxed wakefulness.

Theta Rhythm

Brain wave pattern associated with light sleep.

Delta Rhythm

Brain wave pattern during deep sleep stages.

Sleep Stages

Different phases of sleep characterized by EEG patterns.

Sleep Duration

Average sleep time for adults is 7-8 hours.

Sleepwalking

Walking or performing actions while asleep.

Night Terrors

Intense fear episodes during NREM sleep.

Activation-Synthesis Theory

Dreams result from random brain activity during sleep.

Coping Theory

Dreams help process and cope with threats.

Manifest Content

Surface storyline of a dream.

Latent Content

Underlying meaning of a dream.

Sleep Measurement

Use of technology to track sleep patterns.

Chronogenotype Studies

Research on genetic influences on chronotypes.

Behavioral Analysis

Method for studying circadian rhythms in animals.

Free-Running Rhythms

Natural body rhythms without external cues.

Sleep Stages Classification

Five-point system categorizing sleep based on EEG.

Cognitive and Emotional Rhythms

Influence of time of day on performance.

Atonia

Loss of muscle tone during REM sleep.

Lucid Dreams

Awareness of dreams while dreaming.

Conscious Dreaming

Ability to direct dream content.

Sleep Adaptation

Sleep supports brain health and memory.

Cultural Sleep Behavior

Sleep patterns vary across cultures.

Energy Conservation

Sleep reduces energy expenditure.

Body Temperature Decline

Decreases metabolism during sleep.

Predatory vs Prey Sleep

Predators sleep more than prey.

Basic Rest-Activity Cycle (BRAC)

90-minute cycles of arousal levels.

Sleep Deprivation Effects

Adverse effects on health and cognition.

Microsleep

Brief sleep lasting about one second.

R-Sleep Deprivation

Impairment of functions due to lack of R-sleep.

Memory Storage During Sleep

Sleep solidifies and organizes memories.

Place Cell

Hippocampal neuron active in specific locations.

Sleep Memory Storage Theory

Memories replayed during sleep for storage.

Synaptic Homeostasis Theory

Global brain changes facilitate memory storage.

Melatonin

Hormone promoting sleepiness from pineal gland.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Controls wakefulness and sensory processing.

Insomnia

Inability to fall or stay asleep.

Hypersomnia

Excessive sleepiness or inappropriate sleep episodes.

Sleep Apnea

Breathing interruption during sleep.

Parasomnias

Unusual behaviors disrupting sleep.

Sleep Terrors

Intense fear episodes during N-sleep.

Nightmare Disorder

Vivid dreams causing distress upon awakening.

Sleep Paralysis

Inability to move while waking or sleeping.

Cataplexy

Loss of muscle tone triggered by emotions.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding during sleep.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Uncomfortable leg sensations disrupting sleep.

Ultradian Rhythms

Cycles shorter than 24 hours, like BRAC.