Sleep Paralysis
A condition of feeling anxiety/terror while being conscious but unable to move. Often occurs when you wake up or when coming in and out of REM. Influenced by culture
Consciousness
Our subjective experience of the world, our bodies, and our perspectives (waking consciousness). You can have altered states of consciousness, such as sleep paralysis, hypnosis, etc.
Circadian Rhythm
A biological rhythm that occurs over 24 hours and is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus.
Sleep
Low physical activity and a reduced sense of awarenesss. Associated with the secretion of many hormones, including melatonin, FSH, luteinizing hormone, and growth hormone. There are 5 stages that occur in 90 minute cycles.
Hypnagogic State
A state of pre-sleep consciousness in which you experience hypnagogic imagery (hallucinations) that may be visual, somatic, or auditory. Includes the myoclonic/hypnic jerk.
Stages of Sleep
- Transition (10-15min, brain waves slow down, heightened sense of awareness, dreams like photos)
- Falling asleep (slowing of brain waves, sleep spindles and K complexes, brain, heart, breathing slowing down. About 20 min. 65% total sleep).
3 + 4. Deep Sleep. (Delta waves, most restful, growth hormone production, children spend most time in this state than elderly, suppressed by alcohol, hardest to awaken). - REM (brain waves like wakefulness, antonia, paradoxical sleep, rapid eye and inner ear movements but body is paralyzed. Biologically essential, lots of dreams).
REM rebound
When you miss a lot of REM sleep for several nights, and when you finally do get to sleep, you spend more time in REM than usual.
Sleep Hypothesis:
- Sleep is adaptive theory (preserve + protect hypothesis)
- Sleep is restorative theory (restore + repair hypothesis)
- Sleep is essential theory (necessary for growth and brain development).
Sleep Deprivation
when you don’t get enough sleep, leading to degeneration of neurons in the brainstem, increased risk of physical illness, substance abuse, weight gain, depression, personality changes, lack of emotional regulation, and ADHD like symptoms. Makes your amygdala more active.
Sleep Displacement
When you get enough sleep, but at an irregular time (jet lag, caffiene before bed).
Insomnia
Difficulty falling or staying asleep for at least 3 nights a week for at least 1 month. High amongst students and people with other conditions that put them at higher risks (ADHD, depression).
Affects 9-20% of people. Treated with psychotherapy and hypnotic drugs.
Paradoxical insomnia
Also called sleep-state misperception. When people believe they are sleep deprived despite having a normal sleep cycle. Occurs when mind is active during sleep, tricking the brain into thinking you didn’t sleep. Same effects as insomnia. Leads to irrational beliefs and excessive worry.
Night Terrors
Sudden waking episodes that occur during deep sleep. Most common in children 3-8. Accompanied by screaming, sweating, and confusion before falling back into deep sleep.
Sleep Apnea
A blockage of the airway during sleep (SIDS). Often treated with a CPAP
Narcolepsy
A condition in which one experiences a rapid and unexpected onset of sleep, often due to a lack of orexin. Affects humans and animals. People fall directly into REM sleep. Characterized by cataplexy.
REM Behaviour disorder.
When you are in REM, but not paralyzed and can act out your dreams.
Somnambulism
When you are sleepwalking. Usually occurs in stage 3. Vague consciousness of world around them.
Dream Theory: Problem-Solving Theory
Dreams represent concerns about our daily life, and allow us to reconsider and reprocess information that is critical for our daily survival, 24/7. Dreams help prepare us to face challenges when we wake up.
Dream Theory: Activation-Synthesis Theory
Dreams are a way to make sense of memories and random brain activity while sleeping (brain energy). Dreams provide clues into the dreamer’s fears, emotions, and concerns. Due to the motivational and emotional centres of the limbic system being active in REM. Less activation of the PFC.
Psychoactive Drugs
Substances that contain chemicals similar to those found naturally in the brain that alter biochemistry. They can influence emotions, perceptions, behaviours, and create psychological or physiological dependence.
Stimulants
Drugs that speed up activates of the nervous system (like wakefulness and alertness). Most common is caffeine.
Caffeine
A stimulant that acts on adenosine to increase nervous system activities.
Cocaine
A stimulant that blocks the reabsorption of dopamine so that it floods the brain. Leads to well-being feelings, arousal, and increased confidence, decreased hunger in small doses. In large doses, leads to anger, violence, irritibility, fidgeting.
Amphetamines
Stimulants like dexedrine, benzedrine, and methamphetamine, Adderall, and Vyvanse.
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Intro to Psych and Schools of Thought25
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Research Methods18
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Biological Psychology32
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Sensation and Perception30
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Consciousness35
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Learning29
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Memory28
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Thinking and Language29
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Motivation and Emotion28
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Lifespan Development32
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Personality32
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Health Psychology24
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Psychological Disorders34
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Therapies31
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Social Psychology47
