Unit 1.5 - Sleep

AP Psychology vocabulary from collegeboard.

Consciousness definition

The awareness of our environment and ourselves. Shifts throughout the day, influencing focus and performance

Circadian Rhythm definition

A 24-hour biological clock that regulates sleep, wakefulness, and other bodily functions

What controls the Circadian Rhythm?

Controlled by the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus, which responds to light to reset the cycle

What do disruptions in sleep cause?

Jet lag and irregular sleep patterns, impacting mood, alertness, and cognitive abilities

Altered States of Consciousness definition

Any condition that differ significantly from a normal waking state, affecting awareness and perception

Types of Altered States

Stages of sleep/dreaming, Hypnosis, Meditation and Prayer, Psychoactive drugs, Daydreaming, Stages of unconsciousness (eg. Coma)

NREM Sleep stage 1

Transitional period between wakefulness and sleep. Lasts 5-10 minutes, shows Alpha waves and hypnagogic sensations (Hallucinations or falling sensations)

NREM Stage 2

Body temperature drops, heart rate begins to slow, and the brain begins to produce sleep spindles. Lasts about 20 minutes, characterized by deeper relaxation and more synchronized brain activity

NREM Sleep stage 3/4

Muscles relax, blood pressure and breathing rate drop. Deep sleep with slow Delta waves, hardest to wake up from and crucial for physical restoration

REM Sleep (Rapid-Eye Movement)

Brain becomes more active and body becomes relaxed and paralyzed. Vivid dreams occur, and is vital in memory retention.

REM Rebound definition

When deprived of REM Sleep, the body will catch up by increasing the amount of REM Sleep in subsequent nights.

Activation Synthesis Theory

Dreams are the brain’s way of making sense of random neutral activity

Consolidation Theory

Dreams help process and solidify memories and experiences from the day

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to fatigue and impaired functioning during the day

Narcolepsy

Sudden and uncontrollable “sleep attacks,” often directly into REM sleep

Hypnagogic Sensations and Hallucinations

These are experiences like the sensation of falling or hearing sounds right as you’re drifting to sleep, often occurring during Stage 1. Actually quite common, but more frequent in people with sleep disorders.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

People act out their dreams due to lack of muscle paralysis during REM sleep. Mostly in older men

Sleep Apnea

Breathing repeatedly stops and starts, disrupting sleep and causing excessive daytime sleepiness

Somnambulism

Sleepwalking; Typically occurs during deep NREM sleep, where individuals walk or perform tasks while still asleep.

Why is sleep important?

Sleep is crucial for physical restoration, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. Disruptions in sleep, whether through disorders or lifestyle, can have profound effects on mental and physical well-being.