Understanding Sleep and Consciousness

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to sleep and consciousness concepts covered in the lecture notes.

Circadian Rhythm

A biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle approximately every 24 hours.

Melatonin

A hormone that influences the sleep-wake cycle and is affected by light exposure.

Hypnagogic Sensations

Brief sensory experiences that can occur during Stage 1 sleep, including visual, auditory, and physical sensations.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder marked by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often resulting in reduced sleep quality.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden uncontrollable sleep attacks.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement, dreaming, and increased brain activity.

Sleep Deprivation Consequences

Includes reduced attention and memory, emotional instability, weakened immune system, and increased anxiety.

Activation Synthesis Theory

Theory that dreams result from the brain trying to make sense of random electrical activity during REM sleep.

Dreaming is associated with

Memory processing and consolidation, particularly during REM sleep.

NREM Sleep

Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep, comprising three stages (N1, N2, N3) characterized by progressively deeper sleep and slower brain waves.

Stage 2 NREM Sleep

A stage of light sleep characterized by the appearance of sleep spindles and K-complexes on an EEG, and a decrease in heart rate and body temperature.

Stage 3 NREM Sleep (Deep Sleep)

The deepest stage of sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep, characterized by delta waves and crucial for physical restoration and growth.

Functions of Sleep

Essential for physical and mental restoration, memory consolidation, immune system function, and emotional regulation.