AP Psychology Flashcards: Sleep
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 21 cards to help you master important concepts.
What are hypnagogic sensations?
Hypnagogic sensations are sensory experiences, such as a feeling of falling or hearing a noise, that occur as a person is entering Stage 1 NREM sleep.
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What are hypnagogic sensations?
Hypnagogic sensations are sensory experiences, such as a feeling of falling or hearing a noise, that occur as a person is entering Stage 1 NREM sleep.
How does the sleep/wake cycle affect daily functioning?
The sleep/wake cycle influences our behavior and mental processes throughout the day and night, affecting levels of alertness, cognitive performance, and mood.
An EEG recording of a sleeping person shows brain wave activity that is nearly identical to when they are awake and alert. What stage of sleep are they in?
The person is in REM sleep, which is characterized by high-frequency brain waves similar to wakefulness.
Define narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder involving sudden, uncontrollable attacks of sleep, often lapsing directly into REM sleep during waking hours.
What is a circadian rhythm?
A circadian rhythm is a biological cycle that operates on an approximately 24-hour schedule in humans, such as the sleep/wake cycle.
According to current theories, what are two main purposes of sleep?
Current theories suggest sleep is essential for memory consolidation and for the physiological restoration of depleted bodily resources.
Why is REM sleep referred to as "paradoxical sleep"?
REM sleep is called paradoxical because the brain is highly active with EEG patterns similar to an awake state, while the body's major voluntary muscles are paralyzed.
What is the consolidation theory of dreaming?
The consolidation theory suggests that dreams serve a function in processing information from the day and strengthening memories.
In which stage of sleep does dreaming typically occur?
Dreaming typically occurs during REM sleep.
How are sleep and wakefulness related to consciousness?
Sleep and wakefulness are considered two different types of consciousness, representing varying levels of awareness of oneself and the environment.
What are the three stages of NREM sleep?
The three stages of NREM sleep are Stage 1 (light sleep), Stage 2, and Stage 3 (deep, slow-wave sleep).
How do sleep disorders generally affect a person's waking life?
Sleep disorders interrupt healthy sleep, which can impair waking behavior by causing fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive function.
What are the two main theories regarding the function of dreams?
Two prominent theories are the activation-synthesis theory (dreams are interpretations of random brain activity) and the consolidation theory (dreams aid in memory formation).
While falling asleep, you experience a sudden muscle jerk as if you were tripping on a step. What is this phenomenon called?
This is an example of a hypnagogic sensation, which can occur as you transition into Stage 1 sleep.
A student crams for a test all night and gets no sleep. The next day, they perform poorly, saying they can't remember the material. Which theory of sleep function explains this?
The theory of memory consolidation explains this, as it posits that sleep is necessary to process and store new memories effectively.
What is REM sleep?
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is a stage of sleep where most dreaming occurs, characterized by brain waves similar to wakefulness but a deeply relaxed body.
What is NREM sleep?
NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep encompasses Stages 1 through 3 of the sleep cycle and is distinct from REM sleep.
Define insomnia.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by persistent problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep, which negatively affects waking behavior.
Define sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person temporarily and repeatedly stops breathing during sleep, leading to frequent awakenings and disrupted sleep.
What is the activation-synthesis theory of dreaming?
This theory proposes that dreams are the brain's attempt to interpret and create a story from random neural firings that occur during REM sleep.
How do researchers identify the different stages of sleep?
The different stages of sleep are identified by observing specific brain wave patterns recorded on an electroencephalogram (EEG).