stages of sleep. what happens when we sleep? sleep occurs in a recurring cycle of 90 to 110 minutes...
TRANSCRIPT
STAGES OF SLEEP
What Happens When We What Happens When We Sleep?Sleep?
Sleep occurs in a recurring cycle of 90 to 110 minutes and is divided into two categories: Non-REM (which is further split into four stages) and REM sleep.
There are four stages in the non-REM sleep.
REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement.
Brain WavesBrain WavesBeta
Alpha
Theta
Delta
Stages of Sleep: Pre-sleep stage
Awake and Alert Beta waves
Functions: calm, alert, active, ready to learn
May take about 15 minutes to go thru this stage Adjust pillows, comforters, start to relax
Stages of Sleep: Pre-sleep stage
Awake – but Drowsy Alpha waves Functions: relaxed, harder to concentrate, want to go
to sleep Hypnogogic Hallucinations
Vivid images, bizarre Jerky movements
Sensation of “falling” “Bed gravity,” floating,
Stage 1 Sleep: Alpha to Theta Waves
Non-REM Breathing slows down Disengage from sensation Vivid mental imagery– Everyday activities, not
“bizarre” dreams
Stage 2: Theta – K complexes - Delta
Non-REM Brief periods of brain activity Small muscle twitches Breathing rhythmical
Stage 3: Theta - Delta - ThetaNon-REM
Slow wave sleep Probably a transition stage
Stage 4: Delta Waves – 100%
Non-REM Oblivious to outside world Sleep-walking, sleep-talking occur here Very difficult to wake up- but can have activities
Answer the phone, talk, etc…
Then…you ascend back up through these stages and enter your 1st dream
Then you ascend back up through thesestages and enter Dream Sleep…
Dreams
An individual will have approximately 4-5 dreams/night 1.5-3.0 hours of sleep time spent dreaming They increase in length as the night progresses
Most mammals dreamIntense emotions, illogical, bizarre events are
accepted
REM (Rapid Eye Movement)
Body functions during REM Brain neurons fire more Increased blood pressure Increased respiration Increased heart-rate Body is paralyzed…
Nightmares occur now = frightening, unpleasant dreams
No sleep walking during REM
Why do we dream?
Many theories – no one really knows??Might relate to the idea that at this stage of
rest we are… Reviewing physical tasks Learning, integrating and consolidating knowledge Finding solutions to problems or working out difficult
emotions Finding inspiration: songs, math proofs, art work Dealing with trauma – used as a coping mechanism “Rebooting the system” – used to refresh the brain
after a long day
Why do we dream?
Con’t Rehearsing what to do in an emergency:
“Threat simulation” Dreams are a training ground in which animals and people rehearse what to do in an emergency so you are more prepared to act on instinct.Two-thirds of all dreams involve some type of aggression
• Physical fights• Verbal arguments• Car crashes• Falling or drowning• Missing a test or meeting• Being lost or trapped• Terrorist attacks
Theories of dreaming…
Freud – Dreams reflect unconscious urges, desires, unresolved childhood issues… These problems are resolved in dreams
Manifest Content = The actual images in the dream.
Latent Content = The disguised psychological meaning that must be interpreted. “Wish Fulfillment”
Theories of dreaming…
Activation – Synthesis Model Dreams are products of brain neuron activity in the
visual cortex, memory areas, and emotion areas. Hippocampus and the Amygdala
No external stimulus; so brain tries to make sense of neuron activity = content of a “dream” Explains randomness of dreams
Prefrontal cortex shuts down during REM So, you have fewer inhibitions and don’t question
illogical parts of dreams
Theories of dreaming…
Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson Based on Jungian theories “The more we face the unconsciousness and to try to
understand its content- - - the more we derive a true sense of ourselves…”
Don’t take dreams/images literally Dreams show us - in symbolic form - all the different
personalities that are within us. Each person in the dream represents an aspect of the
dreamer…
“Inner Work” Process
1. Make associations that link unconscious to the dream image.- take your time- work through each image
2. Connect images to inner self, ask “what part of me is that?”
3. Make big connections, ask “what is the central meaning?” “What is my dream advising?” “Does this teach me something about myself?”
4. Take action - but don’t try and change the world - small changes are better – think simple
“With great power comes great responsibility”
Theories of dreams…
Crick Theory Dreams “flush” out excessive information or thoughts
Toilet Bowl
Theories of dreaming…
Information Processing Dreams sift, sort, file, or fix the days experiences
Files needed info into long-term memory
Deletes unneeded info
“random access” like a computer’s memory
Theories of dreaming…
Second Sightings by Judith Orloff, M.D.Guidance Dreams:
Dreams try to tell you something or inform you Offer solutions to problems, questions
Sort out emotions
“Fantasy life”
Theories of dreaming…
Judith Orloff:
Precognitive Dreams foretell the future and may be difficult to
understand
Theories of dreaming…
Judith Orloff:
Healing Theory
Show us where we are sick
Tell us how to get well
Physical and mental
Theories of dreaming…
Pre-sleep Stimulation Theory
Dreams are a response to activities near bedtime
Watch a tv show and then dream about – or incorporate yourself into the show
Talk to a friend and then dream about them
Theories of dreaming…
Telepathy Theory Dreams convey messages or information from/to other
people
Theories of dreaming…
Carl Jung Doesn’t believe in symbols Actual images are interpreted Need to amplify content and add personal insight =
“what is going on in my life?” Think about cultural associations; religion, folk lore
Archetypes