Sleeping and Dreaming

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the topics of sleep, dreaming, hormonal influence, and psychopathology.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes that display an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours.

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

A collection of cells in the hypothalamus that functions as the biological clock.

Zeitgebers

External cues, such as light, that help reset the biological clock.

Melatonin

A hormone released by the pineal gland that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.

Sleep Apnea

A disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.

Insomnia

The inability to sleep, which is often misdiagnosed.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movements and increased brain activity, associated with vivid dreams.

Sleep Cycle

A repetitive pattern of progression through different stages of sleep, lasting about 90 minutes.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A form of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, often in winter when daylight is low.

Hormonal Modulation of Behavior

The influence of hormones on behavior and physiological functions.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.

Psychopathology

The scientific study of mental disorders, their symptoms, and underlying causes.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with the pleasure and reward system in the brain.

HPA Axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; a complex network that controls stress responses.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from their repeated stimulation.