UNIT 1B: Sleep and Conciousness

Flashcards related to Biological Bases of Behavior, States of Consciousness, and Sleep Disorders.

Psychoactive drugs

Drugs that alter perceptions and moods, affecting consciousness.

Agonists

Mimic neurotransmitters to increase a normal function.

Antagonists

Block neurotransmitters to decrease a normal function.

Reuptake inhibitors

Drugs that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters in the synapse.

Stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.

Alcohol

A depressant drug found in many drinks.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input.

Tolerance

A loss of sensitivity to a drug.

Addiction

Compulsive drug craving and use, despite adverse consequences.

Withdrawal

Discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug.

Consciousness

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment.

Circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle)

The biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle.

Jet lag

A temporary disruption of the body's circadian rhythm due to rapid travel across multiple time zones.

Shift work

Employment schedules that require working outside of typical daytime hours, often disrupting the body's natural circadian rhythm.

NREM stage 1

The first stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep characterized by drifting in and out of sleep, lasting only a few minutes, and may experience hypnagogic sensations.

Hypnagogic sensations

Sensory experiences that occur without an external stimulus during transition from wakefulness to sleep.

NREM stage 2

The second stage of non- rapid eye movement sleep characterized by light sleep, lasting about 20 minutes, and characterized by sleep spindles and K-complexes.

NREM stage 3

The deepest stage of non- rapid eye movement sleep characterized by the presence of predominantly delta waves and restoration of resources.

REM sleep

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and muscle paralysis.

REM rebound

The phenomenon where the body increases the time spent in REM sleep after a period of REM deprivation.

Activation-synthesis (dreams)

A theory proposing that dreams are the result of random neural activity in the brainstem during REM sleep, which is then interpreted and synthesized by the cerebral cortex into a narrative or story.

Consolidation theory (dreams)

A theory suggesting that dreams play a role in the memory consolidation and processing of memories.

Memory consolidation

The process during sleep where the brain organizes and integrates information acquired throughout the day, contributing to memory storage and learning.

Restoration of resources

The process during sleep where the body and brain replenish energy, repair tissues, and remove waste products, promoting physical and mental well-being.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep, leading to daytime impairment.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations during sleep onset or awakening.

REM sleep behavior disorder

A sleep disorder where individuals physically act out their dreams during REM sleep, potentially causing injury to themselves or others due to loss of muscle paralysis.

Sleep apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and other health problems.

Somnambulism

A sleep disorder commonly known as sleepwalking, characterized by walking or performing other activities while still asleep.