A test that measures the electrical activity in the brain
EEG
Rapid eye movement; the final sleep stage. Sometimes referred to as paradoxical sleep because of discrepancies between brain activity and body movement.
REM
Inhibitory neurotransmitters. Neurons of this from the VLPO suppress wake-promoting neurons
GABA & Galanin
Region of the hypothalamus known as the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus; primary driver of sleep, contains GABA/Galanin.
VLPO
A byproduct of ATP that is thought to signal that our energy stores our low; stimulates the VLPO receptors that onset sleep
Adenosine
Guides our bodies activity during the day (eating/drinking, sleeping/waking, hormone release, etc)
Circadian Rhythm
Stimulant; blocks adenosine receptors, limiting the influence on the brain
Caffeine
Hormone widely thought to regulate the circadian rhythm
Melatonin
Too much muscle inhibition during REM; characterized by the inability to move for up to several minutes, and occasional hallucinatory experiences
Sleep Paralysis
Issues with/inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
Insomnia
Drowsiness and an irresistible need to sleep at any time (eating, talking, driving, etc)
Narcolepsy
Section of the brainstem that bulges out; essential to REM sleep. Neurons in this area are responsible for inhibiting motor neurons to cause the loss of muscle tone in REM
Pons
Section of the brainstem just above the spinal cord; is what connects the two. Responsible for involuntary functions (breathing, heart rate, swallowing, coughing, etc). Regulates the sleep-wake cycle and REM
Medulla Oblongata
Connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord; contains the medulla, pons, and midbrain. Regulates the sleep-wake cycle by controlling arousal and sleep-related functions; critical for initiation/maintenance of REM
Brainstem
Super tiny region below the thalamus; crucial in regulating sleep and wakefulness. Contains the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) or internal clock. Releases both sleep-promoting and wake-promoting neurons
Hypothalamus
Outermost layer of the brain; has distinct neuronal patterns and activity modulating sleep states and regulating sleep patterns.
Cerebral Cortex
Small nuclei in the hypothalamus, above the optic chiasma; regulates circadian rhythms
Suprachiasmic Nucleus
even tinier part of the brain located in the center; produces and releases melatonin, crucial in regulating sleep-wake cycles
Pineal Gland
