Sleep Quiz

Why do we sleep?

• No one knows

• To cool the brain

• To ensure proper functioning of the nervous system

• To clean the brain's memory slate

Answer explanation

Sleep seems to be necessary to ensure proper functioning of the nervous system. Inadequate sleep can lead to numerous problems such as drowsiness, poor concentration, memory problems, and worsened physical performance. Prolonged lack of sleep can cause hallucinations and mood changes. Some experts feel that neurons become depleted of energy or filled with byproducts of cellular activity and that sleep allows them to repair themselves. Sleep might also offer an opportunity to exercise connections within the nervous system.

How many stages of sleep are there?

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Answer explanation

The sleep cycle progresses through stages 1-3, and another stage known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The cycle repeats itself after REM sleep has passed. Almost half our sleep is spent in stage 2, with about 20% in REM sleep and 30% in all the other stages combined. Infants spend about 50% of their sleep time in REM sleep.

Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep is associated with a number of health problems

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep is associated with a number of health problems, injury, poor quality of life, and mental illnesses. Lost work productivity and increased health-care costs are two other consequences of sleep deprivation. Obesity and depression are thought to be worsened by sleep deprivation.

A circadian rhythm refers to...

• Biological clocks

• Sleep-wake cycles

• Rhythms that follow a 24-hour cycle

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The term "circadian rhythm" refers to changes in physiology, behavior, or mental processes that follow an approximate 24-hour cycle. Circadian rhythms are thought to be related to the light and darkness in the external environment; it is believed light can affect expression of genes that control body processes. These rhythms can influence the sleep cycle and other body functions. Abnormalities in circadian rhythms are thought to be related to health problems such as depression, obesity, diabetes, and sleep disorders

During which stage of the sleep cycle are individuals most likely to dream?

• NREM stage 1

• NREM stage 2

• NREM stage 3

• REM

The primary cause of insomnia is worry.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Insomnia is experiencing insufficient or poor-quality sleep. It may involve difficulty falling asleep at night, staying asleep, or early morning wakening. Symptoms can include excessive sleepiness during the day and impairment in daily function. There are a number of causes of insomnia, including medical and emotional disorders, medication side effects, or sleep disorders. While worry may exacerbate insomnia, it is not a primary cause of insomnia.

What is sleep hygiene?

• A bath or shower before bed

• The promotion of regular sleep

• The practice of laundering bed linens

• Avoiding emotion before bed

Answer explanation

Sleep hygiene is the sum of practices that promote regular, restful sleep. Components of sleep hygiene can include going to bed and rising at regular hours every day, making the bedroom relaxing and inviting, using the bed only for sleeping, and removing personal electronic devices and TVs from the bedroom.

What is true about sleep?

• Sleep deprivation can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.

• Sleep problems occur in almost all people with mental disoders

• Extreme sleep deprivation can lead to hallucinations

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Sleep disorders are very common in people with mental disorders, occurring in almost all patients with depression, schizophrenia, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and head injuries. Lack of sleep can trigger seizures in those with some types of epilepsy. Prolonged or extreme sleep deprivation can cause hallucinations or paranoia in people who are otherwise healthy.

 

People need less sleep as they grow older.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It is a myth that the need for sleep decreases as we age. Our need for sleep actually remains fairly constant throughout adult life. Older adults may experience changes in their sleep patterns including more difficulty falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep. Some older adults report feeling inadequate sleep and daytime tiredness.

Which stage of sleep is your deepest sleep?

• NREM stage 1

• NREM stage 2

• NREM stage 3

• REM