Introductory psychologyLesson 2 of 4 in the course States of Consciousness

Sleep Regulation, Evolutionary Hypotheses, and Cognitive Benefits

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Sleep occupies about one-third of a human life, yet it is more than simply being inactive. This lesson explains how sleep is defined, how the body and brain regulate it, and how sleep is connected to hormone release.

Sleep is a state characterized by low physical activity and reduced sensory awareness. A fuller definition also accounts for two processes that help regulate when and how much we sleep: circadian and homeostatic mechanisms.

All flashcards

How is sleep generally characterized?
Sleep is a state of low physical activity and reduced sensory awareness, with distinctive patterns of brain activity.
What is sleep rebound?
Sleep rebound is the tendency to fall asleep more quickly after sleep deprivation when another opportunity to sleep occurs. It is evidence of homeostatic sleep regulation.
What does the SCN do, and where is it located?
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is located in the hypothalamus and serves as the body's biological clock.
Which brain areas contribute to sleep regulation?
The hypothalamus, thalamus, and pons work together. The hypothalamus and thalamus contribute to slow-wave sleep regulation, while the pons is important for REM sleep.
Which hormones are associated with sleep, and what are some of their roles?
Melatonin is involved in biological rhythms; FSH and LH help regulate reproduction; and growth hormone supports physical growth, maturation, and metabolic processes.

Quiz questions

  1. What does the resource-conservation hypothesis propose about sleep?Answer: Sleep may restore resources used during the day or reduce energy expenditure.
  2. What benefit does the predator-protection hypothesis propose for sleep?Answer: Sleeping in safe places, especially during darkness, may reduce predator encounters.
  3. What do mixed findings about sleep and predation risk suggest?Answer: Sleep patterns may reflect different evolutionary pressures across species.
  4. Which cognitive abilities can sleep deprivation impair?Answer: Sustaining attention, making decisions, and recalling long-term memories.
  5. How is slow-wave sleep after learning a new task associated with later performance?Answer: It can improve later task performance and support effective memory formation.

Based on Psychology 2e by Rose M. Spielman, William J. Jenkins, Marilyn D. Lovett (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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