Two Common Sleep Theories: Recuperation and Circadian

	Recuperation	Circadian
1. Sleep restores the body to a state of homeostasis.	X
2. Sleep plays no role in physiological functioning.		X
3. We become tired when it is dark out.		X
4. Function of sleep is to restore energy levels.	X
5. Function of sleep is to conserve energy.		X
6. We become tired from wakefulness.	X
7. We sleep until the body is physiologically sound.	X
8. We sleep based on an internal timing mechanism.		X
9. Sleep depends on vulnerability from predators.		X
10. Sleep deprivation may cause behavioral disturbances.	X
11. We have a sleep-wake cycle.		X
12. When we sleep is based on some evolutionary aspects.		X

1.      What are the main differences between the recuperation and circadian theories?

The main belief of the recuperation theory is that if is awake one’s homeostasis will be disrupted in one’s body in one way or another and sleep is needed to restore it (Pinel, 2011). The belief of the circadian theory is that one will sleep according to a sleep-wake cycle. In this theory sleep does not have any effect of physiological functioning.

2.      Which theory do you most agree with? Explain.

I agree more so with the recuperation theory. My beliefs are that one’s physiological stability is affected by sleep and is restored by sleep. This seems to point to the instance that when one awakens their physiological stability is sound, but as they remain awake this stability lessons and needs to be restored. I believe that fatigue is brought on by a lack of energy, although food may restore the lack of some energy; only sleep can fully restore it.  

      3.   Describe the stages of sleep. In which stage do we dream?

As far as sleep there are four stages, also referred to as sleep EEG. In stage 1 there is a low-voltage, high frequency signal that is similar to, that of alert wakefulness, but slower than (Pinel, 2011). During stage 2, there is slightly higher amplitude and a lower frequency than the stage 1, punctuated by two characteristic wave forms; K complexes and sleep spindles (Pinel, 2011). In stage 3, there is an occasional presence of delta waves, and they are the largest and slowest EEG waves, with a frequency of 1 to 2 Hz (Pinel, 2011). In stage 4, there is a predominance of delta waves (Pinel, 2011). During sleep after one reaches stage 4, one will remain at stage 4 for a time; then one will retreat back through the stages of sleep to stage 1 (Pinel, 2011). The majority of time when one dreams is during REM sleep.

      4.   What are the five common beliefs about dreaming?

The five common beliefs about dreaming is the first, there are external stimuli can become incorporated into their dreams (Pinel, 2011). Second, there is a belief that dreams last only for an instant (Pinel, 2011). Third, there are people who claim they have no dreams. Fourth, there is the common assumption that penile erections are indicative of dreams that include sexual content (Pinel, 2011). Last, there is a belief that sleeptalking and sleepwalking occur only when one dreams (Pinel, 2011).

      5.   What are the two common theories about dreams? Which of the two theories do you agree with? 

Two common theories about dreams are the Freudian theory of dreams and Hobson’s activation-synthesis theory. I agree more so with the activation-synthesis theory by Hobson, which states that the information provided to the cortex when one is in REM sleep is random and that the resulting dream is the cortex’s effort to make sense of these random signals (Pinel, 2012). As far as my dreams they are always random and never just dreams of what I wish for and are rarely based on sex. As for my children, who I asked their dreams are always random dreams based on different subjects and never sexually based.

Reference

Pinel, J. P. J. (2011). Biopsychology (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.