AP Psychology : Biology of Sleep
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology
All AP Psychology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Biology Of Sleep
In which stage of sleep do we typically dream?
Stage 4
Stage 3
REM sleep
Stage 2
Stage 1
REM sleep
REM sleep (REM stands for "rapid eye movement") is the stage of sleep in which we dream. As the name suggests, our eyes move rapidly in different directions while in this stage. The other 4 stages of sleep are called "non-REM" sleep.
Example Question #1 : Cognition And Consciousness
What does a delta wave on an EEG scan signify?
An extreme emotion, such as anger or sadness, occurring at the time of the reading
The accessing of spatial information
Slow wave sleep, or non-rapid-eye-movement sleep
The subject is working through a problem involving math
A painful sensation experienced during the reading
Slow wave sleep, or non-rapid-eye-movement sleep
A delta wave is a wave with a high amplitude (height on graph) and has a frequency of 0-4 Hz (fairly slow). Delta waves are helpful to note on a scan because they can help characterize how deeply a person is sleeping; in certain disorders (such as alcoholism) delta waves are disrupted by other wave forms, showing that a person is not getting the type of rest required by the body.
Example Question #3 : Consciousness
What stage of sleep is most strongly associated with dreaming?
Stage 2
Stage 4
Stage 1
Stage 3
REM
REM
Rapid-eye movement (REM) is the stage during which most dreaming occurs. It is the last stage in the cycle of sleep and gets longer and more frequent the longer you sleep.
Example Question #1 : Cognition And Consciousness
Which hormone is most closely associated with sleep?
Melatonin
Adrenaline
Oxytocin
Estrogen
Testosterone
Melatonin
Melatonin is released by the pineal gland in response to circadian rhythms and other environmental clues, like darkness. It causes drowsiness and helps induce sleep.
Example Question #3 : Biology Of Sleep
During which stage of sleep do night terrors occur?
Stage 4
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 1
REM Sleep
Stage 4
Night terrors are characterized by high arousal and an appearance of being terrified. Stage 4 is our deepest sleep stage, so it is difficult for those with night terrors to escape their terror by waking up (unlike nightmares).
Example Question #2 : Cognition And Consciousness
Which brain waves are associated with deep sleep?
Iota waves
Beta waves
Alpha waves
Delta waves
Gamma waves
Delta waves
Delta waves occur during deep sleep (stage 4) and are associated with dreaming. In contrast, alpha waves are relatively slow brain waves that occur during a relaxed, awake state.
Example Question #3 : Consciousness
What is the average amount of sleep adults get each night?
7 hours
8 hours
10 hours
6 hours
8 hours
The average amount of sleep an adult gets is 8 hours. Everyone is different, however; where some adults function off of 6 hours, others need at least 9 hours or more to feel healthy and awake.
Example Question #4 : Consciousness
What functions are directly related to circadian rhythm?
Heart, intestinal, and skin health
Blood pressure, metabolism, and body temperature
Mental functioning, hormones, and physical fitness
Hair and skin health, weight, and muscle restoration
Blood pressure, metabolism, and body temperature
Circadian rythm is responsible for the cycles of our blood pressure, metabolism, and body temperature. It contributes to our levels of energy throughout the day and is responsible for our descension in sleepiness as night falls.
Example Question #1 : Cognition And Consciousness
What is stage 2 of the sleep cycle?
Phase 2 sleep happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep and corresponds to deep, resorative REM sleep
None of these
Light sleep phase, during which a drop in body temperature occurs
5-10 minute phase, during which we can be easily awakened
Light sleep phase, during which a drop in body temperature occurs
After stage 1, which lasts about 5-10 minutes, is stage 2 during which we slowly enter deep sleep. This stage is still considered light sleep, corresponds to a drop in body temperature. We can still be woken up fairly easily. Stage 3 is when we enter heavier, deep sleep.
Example Question #6 : Consciousness
Which of the following can occur during REM sleep?
All of these
Intense dreams
Quickened heart rate
Quickened breathing
All of these
REM is arguably the most important stage of sleep, and it is the last stage of our sleep cycle until it repeats all over again. Due to the heightened activity in our brains, we may have more intense dreams during this period. Also during this time, our heart rate and breathing quickens, and our body restores itself.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All AP Psychology Resources
