Question 1

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating circadian rhythms by synchronizing with light information from the retina?

Accepted Answer

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

Question 2

During which stage of sleep are sleep spindles and K-complexes most commonly observed, and what is their proposed function?

Accepted Answer

Stage 2; maintaining sleep and memory storage

Question 3

A person reports waking up unable to move, feeling a menacing presence, and experiencing chest pressure. Which sleep phenomenon best explains these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Sleep paralysis

Question 4

According to Freud, what is the difference between latent and manifest content in dreams?

Accepted Answer

Latent content is the hidden meaning; manifest content is the storyline

Question 5

Which sleep disorder is characterized by rapid and unexpected onset of sleep, often directly into REM, and is associated with a lack of orexin?

Accepted Answer

Narcolepsy

Question 6

What is the primary neurotransmitter affected by cocaine, and how does cocaine alter its activity?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine; blocks its reabsorption, flooding the brain

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Substantial decline in brain function, reversible after ~5 years

Question 8

Which theory proposes that dreams help us reconsider and reprocess information critical for daily survival, allowing us to process information 24/7?

Accepted Answer

Problem-solving theory (evolutionary)

Question 9

A student regularly consumes caffeine late in the day and struggles to fall asleep at their usual time. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Sleep displacement

Question 10

Which sleep disorder involves walking while fully asleep, with vague consciousness of the world, and is perfectly safe to wake the person?

Accepted Answer

Somnambulism

Question 11

What is the effect of alcohol at low doses, and why do females experience its effects more heavily?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating via dopamine; females have higher BAC at same weight

Question 12

Which psychoactive drug is associated with impaired memory consolidation due to its action on cannabinoid receptors in the hippocampus?

Accepted Answer

Marijuana (THC)

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE about REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

The brain is very active, but the body is paralyzed (atonia)

Question 14

Which equation best represents the biological rhythm of circadian cycles over a 24-hour period?

Accepted Answer

$$C(t) = A \sin\left(\frac{2\pi t}{24}\right) + B$$

Question 15

A person believes they are sleep deprived despite having a normal sleep cycle, experiencing distress and anxiety. What is this condition called?

Accepted Answer

Paradoxical insomnia (sleep-state misperception)

Question 16

Which of the following drugs is a CNS depressant that increases GABA and was banned due to widespread recreational use?

Accepted Answer

Quaaludes (methaqualone)

Question 17

What is the main difference between stimulants and depressants in terms of their effect on neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

Stimulants increase neurotransmission; depressants decrease it

Question 18

Which sleep disorder is most commonly found in children and is characterized by sudden waking episodes with screaming and confusion, followed by a return to deep sleep?

Accepted Answer

Night terrors

Question 19

Which theory of dreaming suggests that dreams are a way to make sense of random brain activity, with scenarios reflecting the dreamer's fears and emotions?

Accepted Answer

Activation-synthesis theory

Question 20

A person is prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety but begins to experience memory impairment and tolerance. What is a major risk if they consume alcohol while taking this medication?

Accepted Answer

Deadly respiratory depression

Consciousness: Sleep, Dreams, and Psychoactive Drugs – Study Notes

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