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Angela Martinez
11/28/2025
Psychology
Biopsychology Notes - SLEEP DISORDERS
26
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Nov 28, 2025
•
Biopsychology Study Guide: Understanding Sleep Disorders
Angela Martinez
@angelamartinez_tvoi
1 / 5
Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation
Ever felt cranky after a late night? That's just the beginning of what sleep deprivation can do to you. A staggering 60% of adults and 69% of children experience sleep problems regularly, making this an issue most of us will face.
Sleep deprivation happens when you haven't slept enough to feel rested, and it builds up as sleep debt over time. The effects get worse the longer you go without proper sleep. At first, you might just feel irritable and moody (Stage 1), but things quickly escalate to memory problems and difficulty focusing (Stage 2). If it continues, you could experience microsleeps—basically falling asleep for seconds without even realizing it—and even hallucinations (Stage 3).
The consequences of poor sleep go beyond just feeling tired. They include weight gain, reduced performance at school or work, and impaired ability to complete tasks. This makes sleep deprivation not just a personal problem but a significant social and medical issue.
Pro Tip: Even one or two nights of good sleep won't fully repay a large sleep debt. Consistent, quality sleep is the only way to truly recover!
Common Sleep Disorders
Sleep problems fall into two main categories: sleep disorders and parasomnias. Let's break them down!
Insomnia is what most people think of when they hear "sleep problems." It's the struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get quality sleep. Poor sleep habits, anxiety, stress, or substance use can all cause insomnia. Better sleep hygiene and sometimes medication can help treat it.
Sleep apnea involves breathing difficulties during sleep, causing loud snoring and frequent waking. Often linked to obesity or throat issues, it can leave you feeling exhausted despite "sleeping" all night. Treatments include special breathing machines (PAP) and sometimes lifestyle changes.
Narcolepsy is less common but seriously disruptive. People with narcolepsy experience sudden "sleep attacks" where they fall asleep without warning. While there's no cure, stimulant medications can help manage the symptoms and keep people awake during the day.
Remember: Sleep disorders are medical conditions, not just "bad sleep." If you consistently struggle with sleep, talk to a healthcare provider rather than suffering in silence!
Parasomnias and Sleep Requirements
Have you ever had a dream so scary you woke up in a panic? That's a nightmare, one of several parasomnias that can disturb your sleep.
Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that can leave you anxious about going back to sleep. They're often triggered by anxiety, poor diet, or stressful experiences. Improving your diet and sometimes counseling can help reduce their frequency.
Somnambulism, or sleepwalking, happens when someone performs activities while still asleep. Despite popular belief, it's perfectly okay to wake a sleepwalker—and sometimes necessary for their safety! Making the sleep area safe and addressing underlying causes like anxiety can help.
Night terrors are particularly dramatic, involving sudden awakening with screaming, thrashing, and intense fear. Unlike nightmares, people rarely remember night terrors. They're most common in children and can be frightening for parents to witness.
Most adolescents need 8-9 hours of sleep each night, while adults typically need 7-9 hours. Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for learning, memory consolidation, and overall health.
Did you know? Your brain is extremely active during sleep, especially during REM sleep when most dreaming occurs. It's not "shutting down"—it's processing the day's information!
Building Better Sleep Habits
Creating good sleep hygiene is like building any other healthy habit—it takes consistency and effort, but the payoff is huge!
Forming new sleep habits starts with small changes. Try going to bed an hour earlier (giving yourself about a week to adjust), and get regular exercise during the day—but not right before bed. Interestingly, alarm clocks often interrupt natural sleep cycles, so use them only when necessary.
Consistency is your best friend when it comes to sleep. Going to bed at the same time every night helps reset your body's internal clock. Your brain starts to recognize the pattern, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
Avoiding sleep disruptors is just as important as establishing good habits. Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can all interfere with quality sleep. Your sleep environment matters too—excessive light, noise, or uncomfortable temperatures signal your body to stay awake. Create a cool, dark, quiet space for optimal rest.
Quick Fix: If racing thoughts keep you awake, keep a notebook by your bed to jot them down. This simple act tells your brain "I'll deal with this tomorrow" so you can relax and fall asleep.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Biopsychology Study Guide: Understanding Sleep Disorders
Angela Martinez
@angelamartinez_tvoi
Sleep disorders affect millions of people every day, impacting both daily functioning and long-term health. Understanding these conditions and how to maintain good sleep hygiene can make a huge difference in your academic performance and overall well-being.
Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation
Ever felt cranky after a late night? That's just the beginning of what sleep deprivation can do to you. A staggering 60% of adults and 69% of children experience sleep problems regularly, making this an issue most of us will face.
Sleep deprivation happens when you haven't slept enough to feel rested, and it builds up as sleep debt over time. The effects get worse the longer you go without proper sleep. At first, you might just feel irritable and moody (Stage 1), but things quickly escalate to memory problems and difficulty focusing (Stage 2). If it continues, you could experience microsleeps—basically falling asleep for seconds without even realizing it—and even hallucinations (Stage 3).
The consequences of poor sleep go beyond just feeling tired. They include weight gain, reduced performance at school or work, and impaired ability to complete tasks. This makes sleep deprivation not just a personal problem but a significant social and medical issue.
Pro Tip: Even one or two nights of good sleep won't fully repay a large sleep debt. Consistent, quality sleep is the only way to truly recover!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Common Sleep Disorders
Sleep problems fall into two main categories: sleep disorders and parasomnias. Let's break them down!
Insomnia is what most people think of when they hear "sleep problems." It's the struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get quality sleep. Poor sleep habits, anxiety, stress, or substance use can all cause insomnia. Better sleep hygiene and sometimes medication can help treat it.
Sleep apnea involves breathing difficulties during sleep, causing loud snoring and frequent waking. Often linked to obesity or throat issues, it can leave you feeling exhausted despite "sleeping" all night. Treatments include special breathing machines (PAP) and sometimes lifestyle changes.
Narcolepsy is less common but seriously disruptive. People with narcolepsy experience sudden "sleep attacks" where they fall asleep without warning. While there's no cure, stimulant medications can help manage the symptoms and keep people awake during the day.
Remember: Sleep disorders are medical conditions, not just "bad sleep." If you consistently struggle with sleep, talk to a healthcare provider rather than suffering in silence!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Parasomnias and Sleep Requirements
Have you ever had a dream so scary you woke up in a panic? That's a nightmare, one of several parasomnias that can disturb your sleep.
Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that can leave you anxious about going back to sleep. They're often triggered by anxiety, poor diet, or stressful experiences. Improving your diet and sometimes counseling can help reduce their frequency.
Somnambulism, or sleepwalking, happens when someone performs activities while still asleep. Despite popular belief, it's perfectly okay to wake a sleepwalker—and sometimes necessary for their safety! Making the sleep area safe and addressing underlying causes like anxiety can help.
Night terrors are particularly dramatic, involving sudden awakening with screaming, thrashing, and intense fear. Unlike nightmares, people rarely remember night terrors. They're most common in children and can be frightening for parents to witness.
Most adolescents need 8-9 hours of sleep each night, while adults typically need 7-9 hours. Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for learning, memory consolidation, and overall health.
Did you know? Your brain is extremely active during sleep, especially during REM sleep when most dreaming occurs. It's not "shutting down"—it's processing the day's information!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Building Better Sleep Habits
Creating good sleep hygiene is like building any other healthy habit—it takes consistency and effort, but the payoff is huge!
Forming new sleep habits starts with small changes. Try going to bed an hour earlier (giving yourself about a week to adjust), and get regular exercise during the day—but not right before bed. Interestingly, alarm clocks often interrupt natural sleep cycles, so use them only when necessary.
Consistency is your best friend when it comes to sleep. Going to bed at the same time every night helps reset your body's internal clock. Your brain starts to recognize the pattern, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
Avoiding sleep disruptors is just as important as establishing good habits. Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can all interfere with quality sleep. Your sleep environment matters too—excessive light, noise, or uncomfortable temperatures signal your body to stay awake. Create a cool, dark, quiet space for optimal rest.
Quick Fix: If racing thoughts keep you awake, keep a notebook by your bed to jot them down. This simple act tells your brain "I'll deal with this tomorrow" so you can relax and fall asleep.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user