Understanding Sleep: Definitions, Measurements, and Development

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the definitions, measurements, and developmental aspects of sleep as discussed in the lecture.

Sleep

A reversible mental state of low attention to the environment typically accompanied by a relaxed posture and minimal movement.

Polysomnography

A comprehensive recording of the biophysiological changes that occur during sleep, including EEG, EOG, and EMG.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain via electrodes placed on the scalp.

EOG (Electrooculogram)

A test that measures eye movements by detecting voltage changes correlated with eye position.

EMG (Electromyogram)

A test that measures the electrical activity of muscles to assess muscle tone.

Sleep Spindle

A brief burst of brain activity characterized by a frequency of 12-14 Hz, often associated with the onset of stage 2 sleep.

Slow Wave Sleep (SWS)

A deep stage of sleep characterized by delta waves, where the brain shows the lowest level of activity.

Stage 1 Sleep

The lightest stage of sleep with theta waves, where one may still be somewhat aware of the surroundings.

Stage 2 Sleep

A light sleep stage characterized by the presence of sleep spindles, where no eye movements occur.

REM Sleep (Rapid Eye Movement)

A unique sleep stage where dreaming occurs, characterized by rapid eye movements and muscle atonia.

Torpor

A state of regulated hypothermia (lowered body temperature) that typically lasts less than 24 hours.

Hibernation

An extended state of hypothermia lasting an entire winter, characterized by minimal brain activity.

Unihemispheric Sleep

A form of sleep in which one hemisphere of the brain sleeps while the other remains awake.

Developmental Sleep Changes

Changes in sleep architecture across the lifespan, such as decreases in REM sleep as individuals age.

TMS Study

A technique used to measure neural activity transmission during sleep stages.

Neural Activity Regulation

The process by which the brain's electrical and metabolic activity varies across different sleep stages.

Sleep Architecture

The structure and pattern of sleep cycles throughout the night, including the duration and sequence of different sleep stages.

Sleep Need in Animals

The varying amount of sleep required by different species, influenced by size, habitat, and predatory status.

Electrodes

Devices placed on the scalp to detect and measure electrical activity from neurons,