Exploring Psych Chapt 3,4,6 Essay Questions

Ch 3:

1) What is circadian rhythm?

Circadian rhythm is the physical, mental and behavioral changes that our bodies go through on a 24 hour cycle. Our bodies and minds have different times throughout a 24 hour cycle in which they are sharper and not as sharp. Age and experience can change our circadian rhythm. Younger people tend to have improved performance as the day wears on, whereas older people decline. If our circadian rhythm become interrupted it will make a person not feel well and not be able to function to the their fullest potential. The circadian rhythm helps keep our body in balance and when it becomes jeopardized illness can set in.

2) Discuss the stages of sleep and what happens in each?

There are two main types of sleep :Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep. During the earliest phases of sleep you are still slightly awake and alert. The brain produces beta waves. As the brain begins to relax slower alpha waves are produced. During this time you are not really asleep but you may experience strange and extremely vivid sensations such as feeling like you are falling or hearing someone call your name. You may also have jerking motions also.

NREM Stage 1 : Stage 1 is the beginning of the sleep cycle, and is light stage sleep. Stage 1 can be considered a transition period between wakefulness and sleep. In Stage 1, the brain produces high amplitude theta waves, which are very slow brain waves. This period of sleep lasts only 5-10 min.

NREM Stage 2 :During stage 2 sleep people become less aware of their surroundings Body temperature drops and Breathing and heart rate become more regular. Stage 2 is the second stage lasts for around 20 minutes. The brain begins to produce bursts of rapid, rhythmic brain wave activity known as sleep spindles. People spend 50 percent of their total sleep in this stage.

NREM Stage 3 : During stage 3 sleep , muscles relax ,blood pressure and breathing rate drop...