Sleep and Dreams

Exam 3, neuro 101, WVU fall '25

Stochastic/asynchronous fire

found in REM and nREM 1

K complex

one sudden spike in neural activity

Sleep spindle

brief burst of neural activity

N1

irregular, jagged, low-voltage waves (alpha to theta waves); short period of first falling asleep

N2

light sleep, similar to N1 but has k complexes and sleep spindles

Dreams in SWS are often ___

replays of recent events

Slow wave sleep (SWS)

high amplitude, low frequency waves, deep sleep, reduced blood flow, paralysis

Slow wave sleep is important for consolidation of ___

explicit/declarative memories

REM sleep is important for consolidation of ___

nondeclarative memories

REM sleep

stochastic/desynchronized waves, dreams, blood flow to higher-order visual and auditory cortices

Systems consolidation occurs in ___

slow wave sleep

Superchiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

regulates circadian rhythm

The ___ secretes melatonin

pineal gland

Cortisol levels ___ to help you wake up

rise

Melatonin levels ___ to help you wake up

fall

During sleep, the brain exhibits high motor activity, but this is stopped by ___

the brainstem

Activation synthesis theory

dreams are interpretations of random neural firing that occurs during sleep

Expectation-fulfillment theory

your brain discharges pent-up emotions from the day to prevent them from interfering with memory

Threat-simulation theory

you have nightmares to prepare you for real-life threats

Manifest content

events in your dreams

Latent content

meanings of your dreams

Caffeine is an ____

adenosine antagonist

Adenosine makes you feel ___

relaxed and sleepy