Sleep wake cycle

Sleep wake cycle

1. Doing by: Dr. Mohammed H. Al-nakhli

What Is Sleep?
• An altered state in which people become relatively unaware of external stimulation
Why Do We Sleep?
• Evolutionary Theory: Protective function, keeps people tucking away at night, safe from
predators.
• Recuperative Theory: Conserves energy, restores body tissues depleted during daily activity
– REM: hormones released that influence thinking & memory formation, mental
organization; counteract fatigue, irritability, inattention
– NREM: body replenishes itself (tissue restoration and release of growth hormone)
Why Do We Sleep At Night?
• Circadian Rhythm
– Internally generated sleep/wake cycle connected to 24-hour pd of earth’s rotation
How Much Sleep Do I Need?
• Infants
– 20 hours
• 50% REM
• Children/Adolescents
– 10 hours
• 25-30% REM
– Bed Later, Up Later
• Adults
– 8 hours
• 20% or less REM
• Elderly
– 6 hours
– Bed Later, Up Earlier
What If I Miss Sleep?
• Effects On Body
– Immune system weakens
– Metabolic malfunction
– Varied body temp
• Effects On Brain
– Moodiness
– Decreased cognitive performance
• Learn slower, remember less, loss concentration & creativity
– Blurred vision
– Disorganized speech
– Hallucinations