AP Psychology › Biology of Sleep
In which stage of sleep do we typically dream?
REM sleep
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
REM sleep (REM stands for "rapid eye movement") is the stage of sleep in which we dream. As the name suggests, our eyes move rapidly in different directions while in this stage. The other 4 stages of sleep are called "non-REM" sleep.
Which of the following can occur during REM sleep?
All of these
Intense dreams
Quickened heart rate
Quickened breathing
REM is arguably the most important stage of sleep, and it is the last stage of our sleep cycle until it repeats all over again. Due to the heightened activity in our brains, we may have more intense dreams during this period. Also during this time, our heart rate and breathing quickens, and our body restores itself.
Which of the following does not occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep?
Voluntary movement of the eyes
Vivid dreams
Random movement of the eyes
Low muscle tone throughout the body
Less control over breathing
During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the random movement of the eyes is not voluntary because the person is soundly sleeping. REM sleep is essential for humans to feel well-rested and thrive during waking hours.
During which stage of sleep do night terrors occur?
Stage 4
REM Sleep
Stage 2
Stage 1
Stage 3
Night terrors are characterized by high arousal and an appearance of being terrified. Stage 4 is our deepest sleep stage, so it is difficult for those with night terrors to escape their terror by waking up (unlike nightmares).
Which of the following is the "deepest" stage of sleep and is most commonly associated with dreams?
REM sleep
Stage 1 sleep
Stage 2 sleep
Stage 4 sleep
REM (rapid eye-movement) sleep is the fifth and final stage of sleep during which the body is in it's deepest sleep. Dreaming is most frequent, most vivid, and most memorable during REM sleep; however, other dreaming can occur during the other sleep stages.
Stage 2 sleep most likely involves which of the following?
Memory consolidation and synaptic pruning
Slow waves on EEG readings
Transition between sleep and wakefulness
Deep sleep
Vivid dreams
Light sleep, memory consolidation, and synaptic pruning characterize stage 2 sleep. This stage has higher-voltage sleep spindles and K-complexes. It is the transition period from light sleep (stage 1) into slightly deeper sleep (stage 3) and subdued muscle movement.
What is stage 2 of the sleep cycle?
Light sleep phase, during which a drop in body temperature occurs
5-10 minute phase, during which we can be easily awakened
Phase 2 sleep happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep and corresponds to deep, resorative REM sleep
None of these
After stage 1, which lasts about 5-10 minutes, is stage 2 during which we slowly enter deep sleep. This stage is still considered light sleep, corresponds to a drop in body temperature. We can still be woken up fairly easily. Stage 3 is when we enter heavier, deep sleep.
What functions are directly related to circadian rhythm?
Blood pressure, metabolism, and body temperature
Heart, intestinal, and skin health
Hair and skin health, weight, and muscle restoration
Mental functioning, hormones, and physical fitness
Circadian rythm is responsible for the cycles of our blood pressure, metabolism, and body temperature. It contributes to our levels of energy throughout the day and is responsible for our descension in sleepiness as night falls.
What does a delta wave on an EEG scan signify?
Slow wave sleep, or non-rapid-eye-movement sleep
An extreme emotion, such as anger or sadness, occurring at the time of the reading
A painful sensation experienced during the reading
The accessing of spatial information
The subject is working through a problem involving math
A delta wave is a wave with a high amplitude (height on graph) and has a frequency of 0-4 Hz (fairly slow). Delta waves are helpful to note on a scan because they can help characterize how deeply a person is sleeping; in certain disorders (such as alcoholism) delta waves are disrupted by other wave forms, showing that a person is not getting the type of rest required by the body.
Inadequate sleep is a risk factor for which of the following?
All of these
Obesity
Impaired immune functioning
Diabetes
Sleep deprivation and partial sleep deprivation have many negative consequences on our physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that people who consistently sleep less than 7 hours are at increased risk for overall mortality.