States of Consciousness (sleep and dreams)

Consciousness

The state of being aware of and able to perceive one's thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings

Circadian Rhythm

The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours.

NREM Stage 1

First stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep characterized by drifting in and out of sleep, lasting only a few minutes. (Brain waves slow down, muscles relax, hypnic jerks, and hallucinations)

NREM Stage 2

non-rapid eye movement sleep characterized by light sleep, lasting about 20 minutes. (Brain waves further slow down, sleep spindles (short bursts of brain activity), and K-complexes (sudden, sharp waveforms) appear.)

NREM Stage 3

Deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep characterized by the presence of predominantly delta waves. (Restoration of Resources, body and brain replenish energy, tissue repair, and removing waste products)

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and muscle paralysis. (increased brain activity, including dreaming, memory consolidation, and emotional processing.)

One 90-minute sleep cycle consists of:

NREM-1, NREM-2, NREM-3, NREM-2, REM, (may awaken - more common for adults)

After 2 or 3 cycles, the brain alternates between what two stages?

stage 2(NREM-2) and REM

Theory of Sleep: Protective

Psychological Perspective: Evolutionary

Theory of Sleep: Recuperation

Psychological Perspective: Biological

Theory of Sleep: Memory

Psychological Perspective: Cognitive

Theory of Sleep: Creativity

Psychological Perspective: Cognitive

Theory of Sleep: Growth

Psychological Perspective: Biological

REM Rebound

Phenomenon where the body increases the time spent in REM sleep after a period of REM deprivation. (resulting in more intense and frequent REM sleep episodes)

Activation-Synthesis (Dreams)

theory proposing that dreams are the result of random neural activity in the brainstem during REM sleep

Consolidation Theory (Dreams)

theory suggesting that dreams play a role in the memory consolidation and processing of memories.

Insomnia

sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep, leading to daytime impairment such as fatigue, mood disturbances, and decreased cognitive function.

Narcolepsy

sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations during sleep onset or awakening.

Sleep Apnea

sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and other health problems.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

sleep disorder where individuals physically act out their dreams during REM sleep, potentially causing injury to themselves or others due to loss of muscle paralysis.

Somnambulism

sleep disorder commonly known as sleepwalking, characterized by walking or performing, ect. while asleep. It typically occurs during non-REM sleep stages

Night Terrors and Sleepwalking

Occurs during NREM-3 sleep – not linked to dreams, since dreams occur during REM sleep.