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, feels a menacing presence, and experiences chest pressure. Which sleep phenomenon best explains this?

Accepted Answer

Sleep paralysis

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE about Stage 3 and 4 sleep?

Accepted Answer

It is crucial for feeling rested and is associated with delta waves.

Question 4

According to the activation-synthesis theory, dreams are:

Accepted Answer

Attempts to make sense of random brain activity during sleep.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It is associated with a substantial decline in memory, processing speed, and overall brain power.

Question 6

A student regularly drinks coffee late at night and finds it difficult to fall asleep at their usual time. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Sleep displacement

Question 7

Which hormone is most directly associated with the regulation of sleep-wake cycles?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The body is paralyzed but the brain is highly active.

Question 9

A person who believes they are sleep deprived despite having a normal sleep cycle is likely experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Paradoxical insomnia (sleep-state misperception)

Question 10

Which of the following drugs is classified as a depressant and is known to increase GABA activity in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Quaaludes (methaqualone)

Question 11

Which of the following statements about marijuana (THC) is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It impairs memory consolidation by acting on cannabinoid receptors in the hippocampus.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains the 'preserve and protect' hypothesis of sleep?

Accepted Answer

Sleep evolved to help organisms avoid predatory risks and conserve resources.

Question 13

A person suddenly falls asleep during the day and immediately enters REM sleep. This is most characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Narcolepsy

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Increased tendency to overreact emotionally

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of chronic shift work, according to research?

Accepted Answer

Aging of the brain by more than 6 years, with possible reversibility after 5 years

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the balanced-placebo design in alcohol research?

Accepted Answer

It separates the effects of expectation from the actual physiological effects of alcohol.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key difference between REM behavior disorder and sleep paralysis?

Accepted Answer

REM behavior disorder allows people to act out their dreams, while sleep paralysis involves inability to move.

Question 18

Which of the following equations best represents the 24-hour circadian rhythm cycle?

Accepted Answer

$$T = 24 \ \mathrm{hours}$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible real-world consequence of sleep deprivation, as demonstrated by Peter Tripp's 'wakeathon'?

Accepted Answer

Development of hallucinations, paranoia, and personality changes

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of alcohol at low doses?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a stimulant via dopamine release, lowering inhibition.

Consciousness: Sleep, Dreams, and Psychoactive Drugs

Study Guide - Practice Questions