Chapter 4: State of Consciousness

define sleep spindle

is a rapid burst of higher frequency brainwaves that maybe important for learning and memory

define parasomnias

one of a group of sleep disorders in which unwanted, disruptive motor activity and/ or experiences during sleep play a role

Define alpha waves

relatively low frequency (8-13Hz), high amplitude patterns of electrical activity (waves) that become synchronized. This pattern of brain wave activity resembles that of someone who is very relaxed, yet awake.

How many stages is non-REM sleep divided into?

4

What two ways can sleep be divided into?

Non-rem and Rem sleep

What does REM stand for

Rapid eye movement (REM)

describe the 1st NREM stage

Stage 1 sleep is a transitional phase that occurs between wakefulness and sleep, the period during which we drift off to sleep. During this time, there is a slowdown in both the rates of respiration and heartbeat. In addition, stage 1 sleep involves a marked decrease in both overall muscle tension and core body temperature.

3rd & 4th NREM sleep Is usually referred as what?

Stage 3 and stage 4 of sleep are often referred to as deep sleep or slow-wave sleep because these stages are characterized by low frequency (up to 4 Hz), high amplitude delta waves

Evolutionary Psychology

a discipline that studies how universal patterns of behavior and cognitive processes have evolved over time as a result of natural selection

define K-complex

a very high amplitude pattern of brain activity that may in some cases occur in response to environmental stimuli. Thus,K-complexes might serve as a bridge to higher levels of arousal in response to what is going on in our environments

Define Theta waves

are even lower frequency (-7Hz),higher amplitude brain waves than alpha waves

How is REM Sleep Categorized?

darting movements of the eyes under closed eyelids

descrive 2ND NREM stage

stage 2 sleep, the body goes into a state of deep relaxation. Theta waves still dominate the activity of the brain, but they are interrupted by brief bursts of activity known as sleep spindles