Question 1

Which structure in the brain is primarily responsible for controlling circadian rhythms in humans?

Accepted Answer

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)

Question 2

What hormone is released by the pineal gland to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

Question 3

A person travels from New York to Tokyo and experiences difficulty sleeping at night and staying awake during the day. This is most likely due to:

Accepted Answer

Dysregulation of circadian rhythms

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?

Accepted Answer

It receives light cues from the eyes and regulates circadian rhythms.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the sleep cycle is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

On average, people go through 4-6 sleep cycles per night.

Question 6

During which stage of sleep are sleep spindles and K-complexes most likely to be observed on an EEG?

Accepted Answer

Stage 2

Question 7

Which EEG wave pattern is most characteristic of deep sleep (Stages 3 & 4)?

Accepted Answer

Delta waves: lowest frequency, highest amplitude

Question 8

James is analyzing EEGs and is focusing on the height of the waves. What aspect of the EEG is he studying?

Accepted Answer

Amplitude

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Rapid eye movements and vivid dreams

Question 10

If a person wakes up in the middle of the night and then falls back asleep, which stage of sleep do they most likely enter first?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between frequency and amplitude in EEG waves during deep sleep?

Accepted Answer

Low frequency, high amplitude

Question 12

Which sleep stage is most difficult to distinguish from being awake based on EEG patterns?

Accepted Answer

REM

Question 13

As the night progresses, what happens to the duration of REM sleep in a typical sleep cycle?

Accepted Answer

It increases

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE about sleep patterns throughout the night?

Accepted Answer

REM cycles get longer as the night goes on

Question 15

Which of the following best defines the term 'circadian rhythm'?

Accepted Answer

The 24-hour sleep-wake cycle

Question 16

A person working a night shift is likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Dysregulated circadian rhythms

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct match between sleep stage and EEG feature?

Accepted Answer

Delta waves: lowest frequency & highest amplitude

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of REM sleep?

Accepted Answer

Sleep spindles

Question 19

If a person is in Stage 2 sleep, what is the next stage they are most likely to enter?

Accepted Answer

Stages 3 & 4

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the EEG pattern of someone who is awake and alert?

Accepted Answer

Beta waves: high frequency, low amplitude

Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Foundations of Consciousness

Study Guide - Practice Questions