Dive into the fascinating world of human consciousness where we'll... Show more
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
Sleep and Dreams: The Science Behind Your Nightly Rest
Ever wonder what happens when you fall asleep? Your body follows a circadian rhythm (your biological clock) through several sleep cycles each night. Each cycle lasts about 90 minutes and includes both REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM stages, following this pattern: NREM 1 → NREM 2 → NREM 3 → NREM 2 → NREM 1 → REM. The deepest sleep happens during NREM 3.
During REM sleep, your body experiences alpha motor neuron inhibition, basically sleep paralysis that prevents you from acting out your dreams. You might occasionally experience hypnagogic hallucinations or a myoclonic jerk .
Why do we sleep at all? Scientists have multiple theories. The Repair and Restoration Theory suggests sleep allows your body to heal and recharge. The Evolution Theory proposes sleep helps conserve energy. REM sleep specifically appears crucial for brain development and memory consolidation. If you're REM-deprived, you'll experience REM-rebound, spending about 50% more time in REM during your next sleep session.
Did you know? Dreams have fascinated scientists for centuries. Freud believed dreams had both manifest content (the actual storyline) and latent content (hidden symbolic meanings). Modern science suggests the Activation Synthesis Hypothesis - your brain activates during sleep, including emotion centers, and then creates a story to make sense of this activity.
Sleep Disorders and Drugs: When Consciousness Goes Awry
Sleep disorders can seriously impact your daily life. Insomnia comes in three main forms: onset (trouble falling asleep), maintenance (difficulty staying asleep), and termination (waking too early). It's often triggered by stress, health problems, irregular sleep schedules, or environmental factors.
Other common sleep disorders include sleep paralysis (being awake but unable to move due to alpha motor neuron inhibition), narcolepsy (unexpected sleepiness with a genetic component), sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep and is linked to SIDS in infants), sleepwalking (has genetic factors and occurs during deep NREM 3 sleep), and sleep terrors (more intense than nightmares, happening in NREM 3).
Drugs affect consciousness by altering brain activity. They fall into three main classifications: stimulants increase central nervous system activity, depressants decrease CNS activity (both are physically addictive), and hallucinogens distort sensory experiences (not physically addictive). With regular use, you can develop tolerance (needing more for the same effect), physical dependence (experiencing withdrawal when stopping), and psychological dependence (relying on drugs to escape stress).
Important note: Addiction is complex and requires consideration of multiple factors for effective treatment. It's not just about willpower—it involves biological, psychological, and social components that all need addressing.
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
Understanding Consciousness: Study Guide for Chapter 3 in Psychology
Dive into the fascinating world of human consciousness where we'll explore sleep cycles, dream theories, sleep disorders, and the impact of drugs on the brain. These concepts help us understand why we spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping... Show more
Sleep and Dreams: The Science Behind Your Nightly Rest
Ever wonder what happens when you fall asleep? Your body follows a circadian rhythm (your biological clock) through several sleep cycles each night. Each cycle lasts about 90 minutes and includes both REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM stages, following this pattern: NREM 1 → NREM 2 → NREM 3 → NREM 2 → NREM 1 → REM. The deepest sleep happens during NREM 3.
During REM sleep, your body experiences alpha motor neuron inhibition, basically sleep paralysis that prevents you from acting out your dreams. You might occasionally experience hypnagogic hallucinations or a myoclonic jerk .
Why do we sleep at all? Scientists have multiple theories. The Repair and Restoration Theory suggests sleep allows your body to heal and recharge. The Evolution Theory proposes sleep helps conserve energy. REM sleep specifically appears crucial for brain development and memory consolidation. If you're REM-deprived, you'll experience REM-rebound, spending about 50% more time in REM during your next sleep session.
Did you know? Dreams have fascinated scientists for centuries. Freud believed dreams had both manifest content (the actual storyline) and latent content (hidden symbolic meanings). Modern science suggests the Activation Synthesis Hypothesis - your brain activates during sleep, including emotion centers, and then creates a story to make sense of this activity.
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
Sleep Disorders and Drugs: When Consciousness Goes Awry
Sleep disorders can seriously impact your daily life. Insomnia comes in three main forms: onset (trouble falling asleep), maintenance (difficulty staying asleep), and termination (waking too early). It's often triggered by stress, health problems, irregular sleep schedules, or environmental factors.
Other common sleep disorders include sleep paralysis (being awake but unable to move due to alpha motor neuron inhibition), narcolepsy (unexpected sleepiness with a genetic component), sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep and is linked to SIDS in infants), sleepwalking (has genetic factors and occurs during deep NREM 3 sleep), and sleep terrors (more intense than nightmares, happening in NREM 3).
Drugs affect consciousness by altering brain activity. They fall into three main classifications: stimulants increase central nervous system activity, depressants decrease CNS activity (both are physically addictive), and hallucinogens distort sensory experiences (not physically addictive). With regular use, you can develop tolerance (needing more for the same effect), physical dependence (experiencing withdrawal when stopping), and psychological dependence (relying on drugs to escape stress).
Important note: Addiction is complex and requires consideration of multiple factors for effective treatment. It's not just about willpower—it involves biological, psychological, and social components that all need addressing.
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.
1
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar Content
PSYCH 101 - Chapter 4 study guide
Includes information about the consciousness of the mind, sleep, REM, hypnosis, drug categories, etc.
PsychologyInfradian & Ultradian Rhythms
Explore the intricacies of biological rhythms in biopsychology, focusing on infradian rhythms like the menstrual cycle and ultradian rhythms such as the stages of sleep. This summary covers key concepts including menstrual synchrony, seasonal affective disorder, and the five stages of sleep, along with their evolutionary significance and methodological evaluations. Ideal for psychology students preparing for exams.
Psychology12
2.9 Sleep and Dreaming
Study notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP Psychology10th
Biopsychology: Brain Functions
Explore the intricate relationship between brain structures and their functions in this comprehensive overview of biopsychology. This study note covers key concepts such as sleep cycles, REM and non-REM sleep, neuroplasticity, and the biological bases of behavior. Ideal for students studying cognitive neuroscience, this resource provides insights into the cerebral cortex, central and peripheral nervous systems, and the role of neuroimaging techniques like EEG. Enhance your understanding of how biological processes influence behavior and cognition.
Psychology12
States of Consciousness
In class notes
AP PsychologySleep
AP Psych
AP PsychologyCan'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