AP Psychology Topic 1.5 - Sleep

EQ: How does the sleep/wake cycle affect behavior and mental processes throughout the day and night?

I. Consciousness - The state of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings, plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep/wake cycle.

II. The Sleep/Wake Cycle - The natural pattern of alternating periods of wakefulness and sleep that influences physiological and psychological functions, including mood, cognition, and overall health.

Brain Waves—The Key To Sleep Studies - Brain waves play a critical role in understanding sleep stages, as they reflect the electrical activity in the brain during different phases of sleep, such as REM and non-REM sleep.
Stages of Sleep - The sleep cycle consists of several distinct stages, including NREM (non-rapid eye movement) stages 1 to 3, followed by REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, each serving unique functions in restorative processes.
Why We Dream - Dreaming occurs during the REM stage of sleep and is believed to play a critical role in emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and problem-solving, though the exact purpose of dreams remains a topic of ongoing research.
Why We Sleep - Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, allowing the body to undergo vital processes such as cellular repair, immune function enhancement, and energetic restoration.
Sleep Disruptions - Common sleep disruptions include insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, which can interfere with the quality and duration of sleep, leading to negative effects on physical and mental health.

III. Sleep Habits - Healthy sleep habits are crucial for maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and practicing relaxation techniques, which can enhance sleep quality and overall well-being.

Sleep Habits and Culture - Different cultures may have varying attitudes toward sleep, influencing sleep practices, rituals, and norms, which can affect an individual’s sleep quality and routine.

IV. Sleep Disorders - Sleep disorders are clinically recognized conditions that affect sleep patterns and can lead to significant distress or impairment in daytime functioning. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep; hypersomnia, which involves excessive sleepiness; and parasomnias, which are abnormal behaviors during sleep such as sleepwalking or night terrors.

V. Key Terms

Activation-synthesis theory - A theory that suggests dreams are the brain's way of making sense of random electrical signals during sleep.
Circadian rhythm - The 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep, wakefulness, and other bodily functions.
Consciousness - The state of being aware of oneself and the environment around.
Consolidation theory - The idea that sleep helps improve and store memories made during the day.
Electroencephalography - A method used to record the electrical activity of the brain.
Hypnagogic sensation - Feelings or experiences that occur while falling asleep, like feeling of falling or floating.
Insomnia - A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Narcolepsy - A condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks.
Non-REM - Stages of sleep that do not involve rapid eye movement, crucial for restorative sleep.
Paradoxical stage - A stage of sleep that resembles wakefulness, during REM sleep where the brain is active but the body is mostly paralyzed.
Rapid eye movement sleep - A sleep phase where most dreaming occurs, characterized by rapid movements of the eyes.
REM paralysis - A temporary inability to move or speak when waking up or falling asleep, often occurring during REM sleep.
REM rebound - Increased frequency or intensity of REM sleep that occurs after a period of sleep deprivation.
REM sleep behavior disorder - A condition in which individuals act out their dreams while in REM sleep.
Sleep apnea - A disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality.
Sleep deprivation - The condition of not getting enough sleep, which can negatively impact health.
Somnambulism - Also known as sleepwalking, a disorder that causes people to walk or perform other activities while still asleep.
Unconscious - A state in which a person is not aware of their surroundings or not responsive.
Wakeful consciousness - A state of being fully aware and alert.