ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
Circadian rythm - CORRECT ANSWER - Cyclical changes that occur on a roughly 24
hour basis in many biological processes
Biological clock - CORRECT ANSWER - Term for the area of the hypothalamus that is
responsible for controlling our level of alertness
Sleep debt - CORRECT ANSWER - Missing sleep takes a toll on your body and must be
made up
Mental effects: mild depression, difficulty learning new information, problems paying attention,
problems thinking clearly, and slowed reaction time
Physical effects: weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems
Stage 1 of sleep - CORRECT ANSWER - Brain activity powers down by 50% or more
creating theta waves. Lasts about 5-10 minutes. (light sleep "no I wasn't actually sleeping")
Stage 2 of sleep - CORRECT ANSWER - Brain waves slow down even more. As brain
activity decreases, heart rate slows down, body temperature decreases, muscles relax, and eye
movements cease. About 65% of the sleep cycle is in stage 2
Stages 3 and 4 of sleep - CORRECT ANSWER -
Stage 5 of sleep - CORRECT ANSWER - REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Brain is
most active during this stage, creating vivid dreaming. Lasts about 10-20 minutes (20-25%)
before the cycle repeats