Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Regulation Quiz

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What role does the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) play in regulating circadian rhythms?

It entrains the circadian rhythm based on light and dark information. (correct)

It regulates the body's internal clock using electrical signals only.

It inhibits the production of orexin during daylight.

It communicates directly with sleep centers to induce sleep.

Which of the following chemicals are secreted by the lateral hypothalamus to stabilize sleep states?

Serotonin and Dopamine

Cortisol and Norepinephrine

Endorphins and GABA

Orexin and Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) (correct)

What is the main interaction between arousal centers and sleep centers in the regulation of sleep-wake states?

Both centers inhibit each other to establish wakefulness or sleep. (correct)

Arousal centers condition sleep centers to adjust to circadian cycles.

Sleep centers directly stimulate the arousal centers to maintain wakefulness.

Arousal centers facilitate sleep by producing melatonin.

What are the two primary drivers of sleepiness mentioned in the content?

Circadian rhythm and homeostatic sleep drive Signup and view all the answers

Why is it undesirable to exist in a state that is 'halfway between awake and asleep'?

It undermines the efficiency of the regulatory feedback between sleep and arousal systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter released by spinal inhibitory neurons during REM sleep?

GABA Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of sleep involves large delta waves oscillating in activity between the thalamus and cortex?

N3 sleep Signup and view all the answers

How does the sleep architecture of elderly subjects compare to that of younger adults?

They have shorter and fewer periods of N3 sleep. Signup and view all the answers

In healthy young adults, when does most deep sleep (N3) typically occur?

At the beginning of the sleep session Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes N2 sleep in terms of its EEG patterns?

Theta waves with sleep spindles and K complexes Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of transitions from wakefulness to REM sleep?

They require prior progression through deeper stages like N3. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the duration of N3 and REM sleep as a person ages?

Both N3 and REM sleep periods decrease. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the characteristics of N1 sleep?

Theta rhythm with muscle activity and easily woken up Signup and view all the answers

During which sleep stage is the electrical activity in the cortical association areas typically not synchronized?

REM sleep Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the early sleep periods of a healthy young adult?

They have the longest period of N3 sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What is the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Polysomnogram Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in the physical examination for diagnosing OSA?

Cardiac enzyme testing Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea?

High Mallampati score Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of sleep terrors in children?

Lack of memory of the event Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of sleep do sleepwalking behaviors occur most frequently?

N3 sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about REM sleep behavior disorder is true?

It is characterized by violent movements. Signup and view all the answers

Which additional testing may be performed for patients suspected of having cardiac issues related to OSA?

Home BP monitoring Signup and view all the answers

How can parasomnias like sleepwalking and sleep terrors typically be managed?

Ensuring adequate sleep Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of narcolepsy with cataplexy?

Viral respiratory infections Signup and view all the answers

How does periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) typically present?

Large movements of the legs during sleep Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted association in the pathogenesis of restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Iron deficiency in the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter's activity is often disrupted in patients with restless legs syndrome?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What treatment strategy is commonly used for narcolepsy?

Antidepressants to enhance noradrenergic activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesized cause of discomfort in restless legs syndrome?

Inadequate nighttime dopamine activity Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adults is commonly reported to experience restless legs syndrome?

5 - 10% Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between iron transport and dopamine synthesis in restless legs syndrome?

Impaired iron transport affects dopamine processes Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of obstructive sleep apnea?

Intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep Signup and view all the answers

Which group is more likely to experience periodic limb movement disorder?

Older adults and women Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of melatonin in regulating circadian rhythms?

Syncing the SCN to light-dark cycles Signup and view all the answers

Which receptor type is most likely involved in the long-term maintenance of sleep due to melatonin?

MT-2 receptors Signup and view all the answers

How does extrinsic stress affect sleep quality according to the discussed mechanisms?

It can significantly disrupt sleep quality. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes cataplexy in individuals with narcolepsy?

Sudden and temporary loss of muscle tone triggered by emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is suggested to drive the desire for sleep after prolonged wakefulness?

Build-up of extracellular adenosine Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of sleep paralysis as experienced in narcolepsy?

It can be alleviated by external stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy?

It leads to sleep attacks that are hard to resist. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological cycles does melatonin secretion help entrain?

Core body temperature and cortisol secretion Signup and view all the answers

What generally characterizes the sleep patterns of a healthy individual compared to someone with narcolepsy?

A healthy individual's NREM sleep precedes REM sleep. Signup and view all the answers

How do the A1 and A2a receptors contribute to sleep and wakefulness?

A1 receptors inhibit arousal pathways and A2a facilitate sleep-promoting pathways. Signup and view all the answers

What is often the emotional trigger for cataplexy in narcoleptic patients?

Surprise or humor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately captures a common misconception about sleep behaviors in narcolepsy?

Daytime napping occurs frequently and is hard to resist. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the retinohypothalamic fibers in the SCN's functioning?

They synchronize the SCN with light information. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes hypopnea in obstructive sleep apnea?

An airflow reduction of 30% for at least 10 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is least likely to be reported by someone with obstructive sleep apnea?

Feelings of cataplexy Signup and view all the answers

What is often the most affected area leading to airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea?

Soft palate Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not commonly associated with the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea?

High adherence to a pescatarian diet Signup and view all the answers

How does obesity contribute to obstructive sleep apnea?

It narrows the pharyngeal lumen due to fat deposition. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the sensitivity to carbon dioxide concentrations play in obstructive sleep apnea?

It affects arousal thresholds and ventilatory drive. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic factor is associated with a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea?

Older age Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms might indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea?

Involuntary periods of napping Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic method is generally used for confirming obstructive sleep apnea?

Polysomnography Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence does weight gain have on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)?

An increase in AHI by more than 30% Signup and view all the answers

In what sleep phase might obstructive sleep apnea be most severe?