Psychotherapy: 87b - Circadian Rhythms and Sleep
This flashcard set covers key concepts in sleep and circadian biology, including the EEG hallmark of Stage N1 sleep (theta waves indicating light sleep) and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) as the body’s primary circadian pacemaker. The SCN receives light input via the retinohypothalamic tract, aligning physiological processes with the external light-dark cycle.
What EEG pattern will you see if a patient is in Stage N1 sleep?
Theta waves
In general, the waves are slowing down
N1 = “light sleep”
Key Terms
What EEG pattern will you see if a patient is in Stage N1 sleep?
Theta waves
In general, the waves are slowing down
N1 ...
Where is the primary circaidan pacemaker located?
From where does it receive input?
Suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus
Receives photic input from...
What EEG pattern will you see if a patient is in Stage N3 sleep?
Larger slower waves at delta frequency (5-6 Hz)
What is the FDA-approed medication for the treatment of non-24h sleep wake disorder/
Hetlioz (tasimelteon)
In general, what is the treatment for circaidan rhythm sleep disorders?
Timed light and/or melatonin exposure
Planned sleep schedules
Describe the molecular clock and associated feedback loop
The following process takes ~24h, thus providing the basis for our intrinsic circadian rhythm
CLOCK and BMAL...
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What EEG pattern will you see if a patient is in Stage N1 sleep? | Theta waves In general, the waves are slowing down N1 = “light sleep” |
Where is the primary circaidan pacemaker located? From where does it receive input? | Suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus Receives photic input from the retinohypothalamic tract |
What EEG pattern will you see if a patient is in Stage N3 sleep? | Larger slower waves at delta frequency (5-6 Hz) |
What is the FDA-approed medication for the treatment of non-24h sleep wake disorder/ | Hetlioz (tasimelteon) |
In general, what is the treatment for circaidan rhythm sleep disorders? | Timed light and/or melatonin exposure Planned sleep schedules Hypnotics are not recommended; they can help with sleep, but will not re-set the circadian rhythm |
Describe the molecular clock and associated feedback loop | The following process takes ~24h, thus providing the basis for our intrinsic circadian rhythm
|
The VLPO [activates/inhibits] orexinergic nuclei This stabilizes [wakefulness/sleep] | The VLPO inhibits orexinergic nuclei This stabilizes sleep |
The [ARAS/VLPO] dominates when we are asleep, while the [ARAS/VLPO] dominates when we are awake | The VLPO dominates when we are asleep, while the ARAS dominates when we are awake |
When does the “biological morning” start? | After the core body temperature minimum (which is usually ~2h before wake) |
Which neuromodulator stabilizes the “awake” state? | Orexin (aka hypocretin) @scientists y tho ¯_(-_-) |
Inhibiting the VLPO results in [sleep/wakefulness] | Inhibiting the VLPO results in wakefulenss
|
Orexinergic nuclei stabilize the [ARAS/VLPO] This results in [wakefulness/sleep] | Orexinergic nuclei stabilize the ARAS This results in wakefulness
|
When do you give melatonin to treat:
|
|
What EEG pattern will you see if a patient is in REM sleep? | Theta waves (just like Stage N1 sleep), may also see beta waves (like awake state) But also:
|
Which neurotransmitters are most active in wakefulness? | ACh Monoamines (NE, Serotonin, Dopamine) Orexin |
What EEG pattern will you see if a patient is in Stage N2 sleep? | Sleep spindles K complexes Theta waves will still be present |
Describe the two process model that controls sleep | Process S (sleep) and Process C (circadian) work together
|
Which system modulates arousal? | Ascending reticular activating system
|
Traveling from Hawaii to Chicago will result in jet lag, with symptoms similar to which circadian rhythm sleep disorder? How would you minimize these symtoms? | Similar to delayed sleep/wake disorder
|
Which neurotransmitters are most active in NREM sleep? | VLPO Some monoamines (Serotonin, NE, Dopamine) |
Which neurotransmitters are most active in REM sleep? | ACh MCH VLPO |
Light exposure at night and melatonin in the morning [advance/delay] the circadian clock | Light exposure at night and melatonin in the morning delay the circadian clock Note: to treat advanced sleep/wake disorder, planned sleep schedule + light exposure in the evening. Usually don’t give melatoin in the morning |
Light exposure in the biological morning and melatonin at night [advance/delay] the circadian clock | Light exposure in the biological morning and melatonin at night advance the circadian clock |
ACh is active in [Wakefulness/NREM sleep/REM sleep] | ACh is active in wakefulnes and REM sleep |
What EEG pattern will you see if a patient is in "relaxed wakefulness?" | Alpha waves |
REM sleep occurs when monoamines levels are [low/high] and ACh levels are [low/high] | REM sleep occurs when monoamines levels are low and ACh levels are high MCH and VLPO activity are also high |