AP Psych- Sleep, Dreams and Psychoactive Drugs

AP Psychology unit 5 *Specifically Sleep*

Biological rhythms

 Biological rhythm is a phrase often used interchangeably with circadian rhythm. These rhythms are a series of bodily functions regulated by your internal clock. They control cycles like sleep and wakefulness, body temperature, hormone secretion, and more.

Circadian rhythm

The biological clock; regular bodily rhythms (for example, of temperature and wakefulness) that occur on a 24-hour cycle.

Pineal gland

A tiny endocrine gland in the middle of your brain that helps regulate your body's circadian rhythm by secreting the hormone melatonin.

Melatonin

A hormone manufactured by the pineal gland that produces sleepiness.

REM sleep/paradoxical sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep; a recurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur. Also known as paradoxical sleep, because the muscles are relaxed (except for minor twitches) but other body systems are active.

Alpha waves

Alpha waves the relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state.

Sleep spindles

Sleep spindles are brief bursts of neural activity that occur in the brain during sleep. They are brain rhythms that oscillate at around 11–16 Hz.These spindles are thought to be important for memory consolidation and learning.

EEG

A non-invasive method used to measure electrical activity in the brain by placing electrodes on the scalp. It records and analyzes brain waves, providing insights into brain functioning and activity.

Sleep

periodic, natural loss of consciousness—as distinct from unconsciousness resulting from a coma, general anesthesia, or hibernation.

Delta waves

The large, slow brain waves associated with deep sleep.

Insomnia

Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep.

Narcolepsy

a sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks. The sufferer may lapse directly into REM sleep, often at inopportune times.

Sleep apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings.

Night terrors

A sleep disorder characterized by high arousal and an appearance of being terrified; unlike nightmares, night terrors occur during NREM-3 sleep, within two or three hours of falling asleep, and are seldom remembered.

REM Rebound

The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation (created by repeated awakenings during REM sleep)