The Stages of Sleep: Ultradian Rhythm

Cards (37)

  • What can be observed by an electroencephalogram while you sleep?
    Distinctive brainwave patterns
  • How often do brainwave patterns repeat during sleep?
    Every 90 minutes
  • What is the 24-hour circadian rhythm known as?
    Sleep/wake cycle
  • What is the difference between circadian and infradian rhythms?
    Circadian is daily; infradian is less frequent
  • What are the five main distinctive brainwave patterns?
    Delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma
  • How do brainwave patterns change as sleep deepens?
    They become slower and higher in amplitude
  • What are the four distinct stages of sleep?
    • N1 (light sleep)
    • N2 (deeper sleep)
    • N3 (slow-wave sleep)
    • REM (rapid eye movement sleep)
  • What does N1 stage of sleep feel like?
    Sensation of moving from awake to asleep
  • What are hypnic jerks?
    Sudden movements when falling asleep
  • What brainwaves are present in N1 stage?
    Theta waves
  • What characterizes N2 stage of sleep?
    Deeper sleep with sleep spindles
  • What is the heart rate and body temperature like in N3 stage?
    Both fall significantly
  • What are delta waves associated with?
    Deep sleep in N3 stage
  • What is REM sleep also known as?
    Paradoxical sleep
  • What happens to the body during REM sleep?
    The body is paralyzed
  • How many full sleep cycles do humans usually have in a night?
    4 to 5 cycles
  • What happens to the proportion of REM sleep in each cycle?
    It increases with each cycle
  • What did Kleitman's studies in 1957 demonstrate?
    Regular sleep cycles using EEG recordings
  • What did Shapiro's research in 1981 find about sleep?
    Intense activity leads to longer slow-wave sleep
  • What is the debated function of REM sleep?
    Memory consolidation or brain recovery
  • What percentage of sleep do babies spend in REM?
    About 80%
  • How does understanding sleep stages benefit individuals?
    It helps track and improve sleep quality
  • What change occurred in sleep stage classification in 2007?
    Stages 3 and 4 were combined
  • How are circadian and ultradian rhythms related?
    They may use the same internal clock
  • What is nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)?
    Men develop an erection during sleep
  • How often does NPT occur during the night?
    About five times a night
  • What is the proposed benefit of NPT for men's health?
    Provides oxygenated blood to the penis
  • What is the relationship between sleep stages and overall health?
    Sleep stages impact physical and mental well-being
  • How does sleep deprivation affect cognitive function?
    It impairs memory and decision-making abilities
  • What role does sleep play in emotional regulation?
    It helps manage stress and mood stability
  • How does technology influence sleep quality?
    It can disrupt sleep patterns and quality
  • What are sleep hygiene practices?
    Behaviors that promote better sleep quality
  • How does diet influence sleep patterns?
    Certain foods can enhance or disrupt sleep
  • What is the connection between sleep and mental health disorders?
    Poor sleep can exacerbate mental health issues
  • How do sleep needs vary across different age groups?
    Older adults need less sleep than infants
  • What physiological changes occur during sleep?
    Body temperature and heart rate decrease
  • Why is sleep important for physical recovery and performance?
    It aids in muscle repair and recovery