Question 1

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating the circadian rhythm by synchronizing with external light cues?

Accepted Answer

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

Question 2

A person wakes up unable to move and feels a menacing presence in the room. This experience is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Sleep paralysis

Question 3

Which of the following is a key feature of REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

Vivid dreams and rapid eye movements

Question 4

According to the activation-synthesis theory, dreams are:

Accepted Answer

A method for the brain to make sense of random neural activity

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the effect of shift work on cognitive function?

Accepted Answer

It can age the brain by more than 6 years, but is reversible

Question 6

A student regularly consumes caffeine late in the day and finds it difficult to fall asleep at their usual time. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Sleep displacement

Question 7

Which sleep disorder is characterized by sudden, unexpected onset of sleep directly into REM, often with cataplexy?

Accepted Answer

Narcolepsy

Question 8

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for why sleep is essential, according to the restorative hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Sleep restores and replenishes the body, supporting memory consolidation and cognitive function

Question 9

Which psychoactive drug is both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen, known for increasing serotonin release and social bonding?

Accepted Answer

MDMA (Ecstasy)

Question 10

A person believes they are sleep deprived despite having a normal sleep cycle, and experiences distress and anxiety. This condition is known as:

Accepted Answer

Paradoxical insomnia (sleep-state misperception)

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the effect of chronic marijuana use on cognitive function?

Accepted Answer

It can cause reversible cognitive impairment and reduced dopaminergic function

Question 12

Which of the following is a hallmark of Stage 3 and 4 sleep?

Accepted Answer

Delta waves and deep, restorative sleep

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE about the balanced-placebo design in alcohol research?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrates that expectations can influence social behavior as much as actual alcohol consumption

Question 14

Which of the following drugs is a depressant that increases GABA activity and was banned due to its high abuse potential?

Accepted Answer

Quaaludes (methaqualone)

Question 15

Which sleep disorder involves walking while fully asleep, usually during Stage 3 sleep, and is considered safe to wake the person?

Accepted Answer

Somnambulism

Question 16

Which of the following is a common effect of sleep deprivation on emotional regulation?

Accepted Answer

Tendency to overreact emotionally and increased amygdala activation

Question 17

Which of the following statements about alcohol is correct?

Accepted Answer

At low doses, it can be stimulating due to dopamine release

Question 18

Which of the following is a risk factor for cannabis-induced psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Early age of first use and family history of mental health issues

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the main difference between NREM and REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

REM sleep is characterized by muscle atonia and brain activity similar to wakefulness

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for the increase in car accidents following daylight savings time changes?

Accepted Answer

Sleep disruption leads to decreased alertness and impaired driving

topic 5. Consciousness: Sleep, Dreams, and Psychoactive Drugs – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions