AP Psychology Flashcards: Sleep

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Sleep, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Psychology.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the main symptom of restless legs syndrome?

Answer: Uncomfortable urge to move the legs. Neurological condition causing irresistible urges to move legs.

Flashcard 2: What is the term for waking frequently during the night?

Answer: Fragmented sleep. Frequent awakenings reduce sleep quality and restoration.

Flashcard 3: What is the definition of sleep efficiency?

Answer: Ratio of total sleep time to time in bed. Percentage measuring how effectively time in bed is spent sleeping.

Flashcard 4: What is the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in sleep?

Answer: Regulates circadian rhythms. Brain's master clock controlling sleep-wake timing.

Flashcard 5: What stage of sleep is characterized by sleep spindles?

Answer: Stage 2 of NREM sleep. Brief bursts of brain activity that help maintain sleep.

Flashcard 6: What is the effect of caffeine on sleep?

Answer: Delays sleep onset and reduces sleep quality. Stimulant blocks adenosine receptors, preventing sleepiness signals.

Flashcard 7: Identify the brain wave associated with deep sleep.

Answer: Delta waves. The slowest brain waves, characteristic of deep sleep stages.

Flashcard 8: Which stage of sleep is deepest and most restorative?

Answer: Stage 3 of NREM sleep. Slow-wave sleep crucial for physical restoration and growth hormone release.

Flashcard 9: What is the primary characteristic of sleep apnea?

Answer: Interrupted breathing during sleep. Airway obstruction causes repeated breathing pauses during sleep.

Flashcard 10: What characterizes the transition from wakefulness to sleep?

Answer: Hypnogogic state. Drowsy state between wakefulness and sleep onset.

Flashcard 11: What is the main characteristic of non-REM sleep?

Answer: Lack of vivid dreaming. NREM stages feature minimal dream activity and slower brain waves.

Flashcard 12: What is the definition of sleep inertia?

Answer: Grogginess and impaired performance after waking. Temporary cognitive impairment immediately following awakening.

Flashcard 13: What is the primary function of sleep according to the restoration theory?

Answer: Sleep restores body and brain functions. Theory suggesting sleep repairs cellular damage and waste removal.

Flashcard 14: What is the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance?

Answer: Impaired attention, memory, and decision-making. Inadequate sleep compromises executive function and processing speed.

Flashcard 15: What is the primary symptom of delayed sleep phase disorder?

Answer: Difficulty falling asleep at conventional times. Circadian rhythm disorder causing delayed sleep-wake timing.

Flashcard 16: What is the effect of chronic sleep deprivation on health?

Answer: Increased risk of chronic diseases. Persistent sleep loss increases cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk.

Flashcard 17: What is the primary function of sleep according to the restoration theory?

Answer: Sleep restores body and brain functions. Theory suggesting sleep repairs cellular damage and waste removal.

Flashcard 18: What is the term for the body's internal clock?

Answer: Circadian rhythm. 24-hour biological clock regulating sleep-wake patterns.

Flashcard 19: What is the term for difficulty falling or staying asleep?

Answer: Insomnia. The most common sleep disorder affecting sleep initiation or maintenance.

Flashcard 20: What is the main characteristic of non-REM sleep?

Answer: Lack of vivid dreaming. NREM stages feature minimal dream activity and slower brain waves.

Flashcard 21: What is the average duration of a complete sleep cycle?

Answer: Approximately 90 minutes. Time to progress through all NREM and REM stages once.

Flashcard 22: What is the function of sleep according to the memory consolidation theory?

Answer: Reinforces learning and memory. Sleep strengthens neural connections formed during learning.

Flashcard 23: Which stage of sleep is most associated with dreaming?

Answer: REM sleep. Most vivid dreams occur during this rapid eye movement stage.

Flashcard 24: What is sleep paralysis?

Answer: Temporary inability to move or speak upon waking. REM muscle atonia persists briefly into waking consciousness.

Flashcard 25: What is the definition of sleep efficiency?

Answer: Ratio of total sleep time to time in bed. Percentage measuring how effectively time in bed is spent sleeping.

Flashcard 26: What is the effect of caffeine on sleep?

Answer: Delays sleep onset and reduces sleep quality. Stimulant blocks adenosine receptors, preventing sleepiness signals.

Flashcard 27: What is sleep paralysis?

Answer: Temporary inability to move or speak upon waking. REM muscle atonia persists briefly into waking consciousness.

Flashcard 28: What is the primary symptom of delayed sleep phase disorder?

Answer: Difficulty falling asleep at conventional times. Circadian rhythm disorder causing delayed sleep-wake timing.

Flashcard 29: What is the function of sleep according to the memory consolidation theory?

Answer: Reinforces learning and memory. Sleep strengthens neural connections formed during learning.

Flashcard 30: Which neurotransmitter is involved in promoting wakefulness?

Answer: Norepinephrine. Stimulant neurotransmitter that maintains alertness and arousal.

Flashcard 31: What is the effect of blue light exposure before bed?

Answer: Suppresses melatonin production. Disrupts natural melatonin release, delaying sleep onset.

Flashcard 32: What is the average duration of a complete sleep cycle?

Answer: Approximately 90 minutes. Time to progress through all NREM and REM stages once.

Flashcard 33: Identify the stage of sleep where the body repairs tissues.

Answer: Stage 3 of NREM sleep. Deep sleep promotes physical recovery and tissue regeneration.

Flashcard 34: Which hormone is primarily responsible for sleep regulation?

Answer: Melatonin. Released by the pineal gland in response to darkness.

Flashcard 35: What is the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance?

Answer: Impaired attention, memory, and decision-making. Inadequate sleep compromises executive function and processing speed.

Flashcard 36: What is the term for the phenomenon of waking up before an alarm?

Answer: Anticipatory arousal. Biological clock can trigger awakening before external stimuli.

Flashcard 37: What is the effect of chronic sleep deprivation on health?

Answer: Increased risk of chronic diseases. Persistent sleep loss increases cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk.

Flashcard 38: Which stage of sleep is most associated with dreaming?

Answer: REM sleep. Most vivid dreams occur during this rapid eye movement stage.

Flashcard 39: Identify the stage of sleep where the body repairs tissues.

Answer: Stage 3 of NREM sleep. Deep sleep promotes physical recovery and tissue regeneration.

Flashcard 40: What is the primary effect of alcohol on sleep?

Answer: Disrupts REM sleep. Alcohol fragments sleep and reduces restorative REM phases.

Flashcard 41: What is the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in sleep?

Answer: Regulates circadian rhythms. Brain's master clock controlling sleep-wake timing.

Flashcard 42: What is the definition of sleep inertia?

Answer: Grogginess and impaired performance after waking. Temporary cognitive impairment immediately following awakening.

Flashcard 43: Which sleep disorder involves uncontrollable sleep attacks?

Answer: Narcolepsy. Disorder causing sudden, irresistible urges to sleep during daytime.

Flashcard 44: What is the typical sleep duration recommended for adults?

Answer: 7-9 hours per night. Optimal range for maintaining health and cognitive function.

Flashcard 45: What is a hypnic jerk?

Answer: An involuntary muscle twitch during sleep onset. Normal muscle spasm occurring during transition to sleep.

Flashcard 46: What is the primary function of sleep according to the adaptive theory?

Answer: Conserves energy and protects from predators. Evolutionary theory explaining sleep as survival mechanism.

Flashcard 47: What is the typical sleep duration recommended for adults?

Answer: 7-9 hours per night. Optimal range for maintaining health and cognitive function.

Flashcard 48: Identify the brain wave associated with deep sleep.

Answer: Delta waves. The slowest brain waves, characteristic of deep sleep stages.

Flashcard 49: What kind of brain waves are associated with relaxed wakefulness?

Answer: Alpha waves. 8-12 Hz waves present when calm but awake.

Flashcard 50: What is the term for difficulty falling or staying asleep?

Answer: Insomnia. The most common sleep disorder affecting sleep initiation or maintenance.

Flashcard 51: What is the effect of blue light exposure before bed?

Answer: Suppresses melatonin production. Disrupts natural melatonin release, delaying sleep onset.

Flashcard 52: Which hormone is primarily responsible for sleep regulation?

Answer: Melatonin. Released by the pineal gland in response to darkness.

Flashcard 53: What kind of brain waves are associated with relaxed wakefulness?

Answer: Alpha waves. 8-12 Hz waves present when calm but awake.

Flashcard 54: What stage of sleep is characterized by sleep spindles?

Answer: Stage 2 of NREM sleep. Brief bursts of brain activity that help maintain sleep.

Flashcard 55: Which sleep disorder involves uncontrollable sleep attacks?

Answer: Narcolepsy. Disorder causing sudden, irresistible urges to sleep during daytime.

Flashcard 56: What is the term for the phenomenon of waking up before an alarm?

Answer: Anticipatory arousal. Biological clock can trigger awakening before external stimuli.

Flashcard 57: What is a hypnic jerk?

Answer: An involuntary muscle twitch during sleep onset. Normal muscle spasm occurring during transition to sleep.

Flashcard 58: What is the main symptom of restless legs syndrome?

Answer: Uncomfortable urge to move the legs. Neurological condition causing irresistible urges to move legs.

Flashcard 59: What is the term for the body's internal clock?

Answer: Circadian rhythm. 24-hour biological clock regulating sleep-wake patterns.

Flashcard 60: What is the primary characteristic of sleep apnea?

Answer: Interrupted breathing during sleep. Airway obstruction causes repeated breathing pauses during sleep.

Flashcard 61: What is the primary function of sleep according to the adaptive theory?

Answer: Conserves energy and protects from predators. Evolutionary theory explaining sleep as survival mechanism.

Flashcard 62: Which stage of sleep is deepest and most restorative?

Answer: Stage 3 of NREM sleep. Slow-wave sleep crucial for physical restoration and growth hormone release.

Flashcard 63: What is the role of adenosine in sleep regulation?

Answer: Promotes sleepiness. Chemical byproduct of metabolism that accumulates during wakefulness.

Flashcard 64: Identify the stage of sleep where sleepwalking occurs.

Answer: Stage 3 of NREM sleep. Deep sleep stage when complex motor behaviors can occur.

Flashcard 65: Which brain structure is crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles?

Answer: Hypothalamus. Contains the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the body's master clock.

Flashcard 66: Which stage of sleep features the slowest brain waves?

Answer: Stage 3 of NREM sleep. Deep sleep dominated by delta waves under 4 Hz.

Flashcard 67: What is the definition of REM sleep?

Answer: Rapid Eye Movement sleep; a sleep stage with vivid dreams. Stage characterized by dreaming and temporary muscle paralysis.

Flashcard 68: Identify the stage of sleep where sleepwalking occurs.

Answer: Stage 3 of NREM sleep. Deep sleep stage when complex motor behaviors can occur.

Flashcard 69: What characterizes the transition from wakefulness to sleep?

Answer: Hypnogogic state. Drowsy state between wakefulness and sleep onset.

Flashcard 70: What is the role of adenosine in sleep regulation?

Answer: Promotes sleepiness. Chemical byproduct of metabolism that accumulates during wakefulness.

Flashcard 71: What is the term for waking frequently during the night?

Answer: Fragmented sleep. Frequent awakenings reduce sleep quality and restoration.

Flashcard 72: Which neurotransmitter is involved in promoting wakefulness?

Answer: Norepinephrine. Stimulant neurotransmitter that maintains alertness and arousal.

Flashcard 73: What is the primary effect of alcohol on sleep?

Answer: Disrupts REM sleep. Alcohol fragments sleep and reduces restorative REM phases.

Flashcard 74: Which stage of sleep features the slowest brain waves?

Answer: Stage 3 of NREM sleep. Deep sleep dominated by delta waves under 4 Hz.

Flashcard 75: Which brain structure is crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles?

Answer: Hypothalamus. Contains the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the body's master clock.

Flashcard 76: What is the definition of REM sleep?

Answer: Rapid Eye Movement sleep; a sleep stage with vivid dreams. Stage characterized by dreaming and temporary muscle paralysis.