Body Rhythms and States of Consciousness
Sleep and dreaming
(Snoring problems are correlated with obesity in upper torso. Middle aged men= most common)
(everyone sleeps roughly the same amount per day (Except babies, 17 hrs/day))
(sleep disorders are genetic, not from psychological problems)
(the human body never adjusts to night shift work)
Learning Goals
(It takes 90-120 minutes to go REM-Stage1-Stage2-Stage3-(back to 2)-REM (cycle), have roughly 4-5
cycles/night)
Rapid Eye Movement/dream sleep- eyes move rapidly/ where we have dreams (brain shuts out body so
we don’t act out dreams). Also got paradoxical sleep).
Definitions of Sleep
Why we sleep
-
Sleep deprivation
o
Circadian Rhythm (may be driven by ganglion cells in the eyes)
-
Sleep deprivation
o
We need sleep to be able to function cognitively, and too much sleep deprivation will cause
us to hallucinate, be cranky/grumpy, and be sleepy during the day.
-
Sleep as a restorative process
o
Kids release growth hormones during sleep, so they
do
grow while sleeping
-
Sleep as a clock driven process
o
Circadian Rhythm (may be driven by ganglion cells in the eyes). Our sleep-wake cycle is daily.
o
We sleep better when it’s dark. Sleep hygiene is important, as well as making your sleep
environment as best as possible, including darkness.
-
Consequences of Sleep deprivation:
o
Appetite: get less to eat
o
Cognition: our memories aren’t as good, can’t focus well
o
Immune System: decreases with less sleep. People who are chronically sleep deprived, their
immune systems don’t respond as well and they get sick more frequently
o
Research
Rechtschaffen rats: would wake rats up in study and pop into water when they fall
asleep. Only lasted 2 weeks before they died
we need sleep
Doctors are more likely to make mistakes during a long shift, need sleep. Mistakes
could be life threatening
Czeisler studied first year medical students
Microsleep: people fall asleep at the wheel for roughly 2/3-6 seconds, without us
even knowing it, since we’re convinced we can fight it off. But sleep gets it when it
wants it.
Driving Tips:
-
What “may” work:
o
get sleep the night before
o
avoid alcohol (like medication makes you sleepy, but they tend to be short-term solutions)
o
have your traveling companion help you stay awake- be active
o
make frequent stops at rest areas and pull over at the first signs of fatigue:
take a brisk walk
take a nap (pull over first)
drink caffeine
o
have someone drive with you, to keep you awake
o
let someone else who has slept and is alert do the driving
o
set reasonable travel objectives
-
What does NOT work
o
Toughing it out
o
Turning your radio on your radio
o
Opening your car window for air
o
Driving faster/slower
Why we dream
Sleep disorders
Developmental differences in sleep
Cultural differences in sleep practices
Body Rhythms
Body Rhythms
Circadian (about every 24 hours):
•
When we get tired depends on the time of day.
You've reached the end of your free preview.
Want to read all 7 pages?
- Fall '19
- Consciousness, Study of Sleep
