Psychology / Unit 4: States of Consciousness
4.1 Consciousness and Biological Rhythms
Notes
Consciousness is awareness of yourself and your surroundings.
- Circadian rhythm: a roughly 24-hour cycle that controls sleep, body temperature and alertness. It is regulated by a part of the hypothalamus that responds to light.
- Light in the evening, including from screens, can delay the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps make you sleepy.
- Teens naturally shift toward later sleep and wake times, which is one reason early school start times can be hard.
- Divided attention is limited: people cannot do two demanding tasks at once well, such as texting while driving.
Practice
A body cycle that repeats about every 24 hours is called a:
Circadian means "about a day."
Which hormone helps signal the body that it is time to sleep?
Melatonin is released as light fades and promotes sleepiness.
Why might bright screen light late at night make it harder to fall asleep?
Light delays melatonin, shifting the body clock later.
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