Unit 1 B consciousness

Consciousness

our awareness of our own mental processes, such as our thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

circadian rhythm

the biological clock regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle

NREM

non-rapid eye movement sleep encompasses all sleep stages except for REM sleep

REM

a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements and a high level of brain activity

REM rebound

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

Awake/alert

beta waves

Hypnogogic sensations

The hypnagogic experience occurs between being awake and asleep

a falling sensation or a feeling of tripping (as myoclonic jerks are interpreted by the brain).

NREM-1

the transition into sleep, marked by slowed breathing and irregular brain waves hypnagogic sensations/hallucinations, and myclonic jerks may occur

NREM-2

Sleep stage characterized by its periodic sleep spindles, or bursts of rapid, rhythmic brain-wave activity. About half the night is spent in this phase.

NREM-3

sleep stage that lasts about 30 minutes and your brain emits large, slow delta waves, and you are hard to awaken.

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 disorder in which the person stops breathing for brief periods while asleep

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

a neurological disorder in which the person does not become paralyzed during REM sleep and thus acts out dreams

somnambulism

the condition of walking or performing some other activity without awakening also known as sleepwalking

Activation synthesis theory

REM sleep triggers neural activity that evokes random visual memories, which our sleeping brain weaves into stories

Information processing/memory consolidation theory

dreams help us sort out the day's events and consolidate our memories