Sleep and Daily Rhythms

Lifestyle · 10 questions

Basic information about sleep physiology and circadian processes; no medical advice.

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1. Which is the deepest sleep stage in humans?

   1. NREM Stage 1
   2. REM sleep
   3. NREM Stage 2
   4. NREM Stage 3
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   D) NREM Stage 3

2. Which brain structure is the main central regulator of circadian rhythms in mammals?

   1. Dentate nucleus
   2. Caudate nucleus
   3. Subthalamic nucleus
   4. Suprachiasmatic nucleus
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   D) Suprachiasmatic nucleus

3. Which substance builds up in the brain during wakefulness and is associated with sleep pressure?

   1. Adenosine
   2. Melatonin
   3. Cortisol
   4. Serotonin
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   A) Adenosine

4. Which defining feature gives REM sleep its name?

   1. Slow-wave activity
   2. Slow eye movements
   3. Rapid eye movements
   4. Increased muscle tone
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   C) Rapid eye movements

5. About how many hours long is the human internal circadian period?

   1. 26 hours
   2. 25 hours
   3. 24 hours
   4. 23 hours
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   C) 24 hours

6. Which pathway carries retinal light information to the circadian clock?

   1. Medial lemniscus
   2. Optic tract
   3. Corticospinal tract
   4. Retinohypothalamic tract
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   D) Retinohypothalamic tract

7. As of 2026, how many stages are in the AASM sleep-stage classification?

   1. 3
   2. 2
   3. 4
   4. 5
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   C) 4

8. What is the name for temporary circadian misalignment associated with rapidly crossing multiple time zones?

   1. Delayed sleep-wake phase
   2. Jet lag
   3. Shift-work schedule
   4. Advanced sleep-wake phase
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   B) Jet lag

9. In a sleep cycle, which broad type of sleep usually occurs before a REM period?

   1. NREM sleep
   2. REM sleep
   3. Wakefulness
   4. Brief awakening
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   A) NREM sleep

10. How can using a light-emitting screen in the evening generally affect melatonin secretion?

    1. Leave it unchanged
    2. Suppress it
    3. Increase it
    4. Advance it
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    B) Suppress it