Psych Module 8

Information processing

Dreams serve an important memory-related function by sifting through the day’s information and experiences.

Physiological function

the neural activity during REM sleep provides periodic stimulation for our brains.

Activation synthesis

suggests that dreams are simply the mind’s attempt to make sense of random neural firing in the various regions of the sleeping brain.

Cognitive development

Dreams are simply part of the maturation process related to brain development.

Insomnia

a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to daytime impairment.

Sleep Apnea

a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, causing disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue.

Narcolepsy

a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

somnambulism

sleepwalking

Night Terrors

a sleep disorder that causes episodes of screaming, intense fear, and flailing while still asleep, usually affecting children.

Bruxism

teeth grinding

Enuresis

bedwetting that occurs during sleep, often seen in children.

Myoclonus

a sudden, involuntary muscle jerk or spasm that may occur during sleep.

What can make insomnia worse?

oral medications

What is a treatment for sleep apnea?

CPAP or continuous positive airway pressue

What is a cause of narcolepsy?

It's often caused by the brain's inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, sometimes linked to a deficiency of hypocretin.

When does somnambulism occur?

during REM

When do night terrors occur?

during NREM 3

When does myoclonus occur?

during NREM

Circadian Rhythm

the body's internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, typically following a 24-hour cycle.

Infradian Rhythm

a biological rhythm with a cycle longer than 24 hours, such as the menstrual cycle. occurs monthly or seasonly.

Ultradian Rhythm

a biological rhythm with a cycle shorter than 24 hours, such as the sleep cycle, occurring multiple times within a day.

Which hormone regulates the sleep/wake cycle?

melatonin

Two reasons we sleep

Protection from dangers of the night, rejuvenation of the body and brain.

What does an EEG do?

Measures brain waves