AP Psych Unit 2.4 Vocab

activation-synthesis hypothesis

The hypothesis that explains dreams as the brain's attempt to make sense of random firings in the pons area of the brain.

alpha waves

Brain waves on an electroencephalogram (EEG) that are associated with being awake and quiet.

amphetamines

A stimulant to the central nervous system that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression.

antidepressant

A drug used to treat depression. Most work by increasing certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.

apnea

A sleep disorder in which the individual stops breathing multiple times during the night.

beta waves

Brain waves on an electroencephalogram (EEG) that are associated with conscious mental activity.

circadian rhythm

A metabolic and behavioral cycle that is aided by light cues. It repeats about every 24 hours in humans.

delta waves

Large, slow brain waves on an electroencephalogram (EEG) that are associated with deep sleep.

insomnia

Inability to sleep, which could be characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or awakening too early.

melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that is associated with sleep onset.

methamphetamines

A highly psychologically addictive, illicit, synthetic stimulant that induces feelings of euphoria. In pure form, it is a colorless crystalline solid, sold on the streets as glass, ice, or crystal. As a less pure form, it's sold as crystalline powder referred to as crank or speed, or in rock formation as tweak, dope, or raw

narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by sudden attacks of REM sleep.

neurocognitive theories of dreaming

A group of theories that suggest that dreams are a byproduct of neural firings made by the brain during the night, which are our brain's attempts to make sense of those firings.

psychoactive drug

A substance that alters the functioning of the brain, resulting in changes of mood and behavior.

REM

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement and nervous system arousal.

REM sleep

Most dreaming occurs during this stage, when you experience rapid eye movement.

sleep paralysis

The state of being awake but unable to speak or move. It is often a symptom of narcolepsy.

stage 1 sleep

When one is first falling asleep; this stage lasts about 5 minutes.

stage 2 sleep

During this stage, an EEG shows bursts of activity called spindles.

stage 3 sleep

This is the beginning of deep sleep. Your breathing slows.

stage 4 sleep

Deep sleep. It is difficult to awaken while in this stage. Most sleepwalking, sleep-talking, and night terrors take place during this stage. Delta waves predominate.

substance dependence

A pattern of drug use that is characterized by tolerance (needing increasing amounts of the drug to have the same effect), withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the drug, and/or numerous unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce substance use.

tolerance

The capacity built up by regular use of a drug, where over time one must increase the amount of the drug taken to achieve the same level of effectiveness.