The Physiology of Sleep

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During sleep, the thalamus transmits sensory information to the cerebral cortex, which interprets information from short-term memory to long-term storage. During most stages of sleep, the thalamus is quiet, but during the REM stage of sleep, it becomes active and is responsible for sending sensory information to the cortex. Sleep also helps the brain maintain emotional stability by increasing the activity in areas responsible for emotion regulation, including the amygdala (located in the temporal lobe).

Physiological factors are not the only ways to define sleep. Several criteria, including sensory, motor, and behavioral characteristics, can help define sleep. While some criteria are absent in certain types of sleep, such as wakefulness and sleepwalking, the general consensus among observers makes discrimination between sleep and wakefulness relatively easy. As such, it is important to understand the physiological processes associated with each stage. While these factors may differ in some cases, sleep is the most commonly experienced phase of human life.

The physiological requirements for sleep are similar among various species. There is a relaxation of skeletal muscles and lack of goal-directed behaviour. The characteristic posture of sleep in humans and other animals is that of horizontal repose, which implies a passive role towards the environment. Sleepwalking, on the other hand, raises questions about the capacity of the human brain. This may be true for humans but marine mammals appear to be asleep only half of the time.

In humans, sleep drive plays a key role in controlling when you wake up and sleep. Sleep drive builds throughout the day, but it reaches a critical point when the body cannot resist it. While a person cannot force himself to eat during the day, it can force himself to sleep if he is tired. In a similar manner, microsleeping may occur when someone is extremely tired and unable to sleep. It is important to get plenty of sleep to maintain optimal health.

Research on the physiological aspects of sleep in animals has paved the way for more detailed studies. The EEG, a form of externally measurable sleep, provides information about the brain’s activities. Such studies may eventually allow scientists to identify specific brain structures that mediate sleep and determine their functional roles in the process. The study of sleep also makes it possible to monitor the physiological conditions that promote sleep. So far, there is little doubt that the REM phase of sleep is important for maintaining the body’s health.

Sleep quality is just as important as the quantity of sleep you get. For example, if you get interrupted sleep, you are not likely to get the full eight hours of sleep you need to function properly. Consequently, you might find it difficult to wake up in the morning or focus during the day. You may even find yourself drifting off throughout the day. If these habits are the problem, you may need to seek treatment for your underlying condition.

How to Find the Best Bed For Your Unique Needs

bed

The causes of BED vary from person to person, but they usually include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and social or cultural influences. People of all ages, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds can experience BED. Studies of large populations suggest that about equal numbers of men and women suffer from BED. Fortunately, there are many ways to get help and treat this condition. To find the best bed for your unique needs, start by reviewing the following guidelines and resources.

A bed is a piece of furniture that is used to sleep and engage in sexual activities. A modern bed consists of a bed frame and mattress, usually on a box spring or wooden slats. In the North, many beds feature a box spring inner-sprung base that has springs and wood for additional support and suspension. Most modern beds have a headboard, but some feature side rails and footboards, and some are even “headboard only” styles. The headboard is often covered with a bed skirt or dust ruffle.

While BED has many underlying causes, a common factor is negative affect. This affect is believed to be relieved during binge eating episodes. It is also associated with interpersonal problems. Researchers have noted that people with emotional regulation problems may be more prone to developing BED. In addition, research has suggested a connection between reward sensitivity and impulsivity. Consequently, a doctor should be consulted if the symptoms of BED are severe.

Binge eating disorder is characterized by large amounts of food consumed in short periods of time. It can be triggered by emotional stress, and people who engage in binge eating tend to experience relief during binges, but then they feel shame and loss of control afterward. Binge eaters often experience extreme unhappiness and distress over their body shape and weight. It is important to seek treatment for BED for prevention of relapse, as well as to manage any symptoms of other mental illnesses.

In addition to professional help, therapists can also help patients with self-help CBT. Participants are provided with a manual to work through on their own, and additional sessions can be scheduled as needed. Self-help CBT has shown to be a good alternative to traditional CBT, which focuses on identifying negative feelings and putting strategies into place to overcome them. This treatment for BED is the most effective treatment for binge eating disorder.

Path C without a mediating variable was examined with a one-way ANOVA with the Addictive Behaviors dependent variable and the Group as the independent variable. Path C revealed that the BED group had significantly lower scores on the composite Addictive Behaviors than the NWC group, which was insignificant when compared to the OC group. Path C results are presented in Figure 3.