Biological Rhythms and Sleep
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How to Sleep Better: How Circadian Rhythm Affects Sleep
A woman sits on a sofa with alarm clock in hand. In this short clip, she defines circadian rhythms and how they affect sleep. She also explains why going to bed at a decent hour helps our processes of rejuvenation. What are circadian rhythms? Is there any truth to the adage early to bed and early to rise makes a…
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How To Avoid Jet Lag
This Howcast is a how to slide show with a female voiceover during animations. Eight steps are presented for travelers to lessen the impact of crossing time zones. Some dry humor and light-hearted images are contained in this clip. What can one do before a trip to lessen the impact of crossing time zones? At the end of the Howcast,…
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EMG Test
In this clip, a female voiceover explains the reasoning for using EMG. This clip is a simulation of a doctors office visit including the insertion of electrodes and administration of nerve tests. Why do clinicians use EMG? What do the inserted electrodes measure? What is the rationale for examining EMG for muscle tissue at rest? How are EMGs used to…
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Microsleep Commercial RTA
In this PSA from the United Kingdom, Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki explains the concept of a microsleep, and why it is such a problem while driving. While the statistics he gives use the metric system, microsleeps are no less dangerous in the United States. What are microsleeps a symptom of? What other activities may be made more dangerous if you were…
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Five Stages of Sleep
In this clip from the longer documentary, Help! I Cant Sleep: A Practical Guide to Overcome Insomnia, the five stages of sleep are discussed. What are the distinctions in brain activities between each stage? What are the distinctions in body movement? Is any one stage more important than the others in getting a good nights sleep?
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Dream Hunter Rem – All About Dreams
An anime character, Rem the Dream Hunter, explains dreams in Japanese with English subtitles. The supporting cast, her kitten and puppy, are aptly named Alpha and Beta, respectively. What are some of the topics or content found in dreams according to Rem? Rem suggests nightmares may occur during Non-REM sleep. How could a sleep researcher provide evidence for this suggestion?…
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Day Residue in Dreams
Stephen Berlin talks about some of his own dreams and their contents. This clip is part of a series of dream-related videologs and focuses on day residue finding its way into dreams. Berlin acknowledges Sigmund Freuds quote, Dreams are the royal road to the unconscious. What do you think that quote means?
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The Biography of Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freuds book The Interpretation of Dreams first advanced the idea that dreams are based on wish fulfillment. In this clip from his biography, we learn about the beginnings of these ideas, such as the Oedipus complex and dream symbols. How would you define these ideas? What is the difference between Freuds psychodynamic theory and the activation-synthesis hypothesis?
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My Bad Dream Causes Me to Get Grounded
In this clip, an adolescent male talks directly to the camera about the obscure dream he had and the events following his awakening. He dreamt about his girlfriend who punched him in the mouth while he was entering a classroom. Soon after he awoke, his mother asked him to make her morning coffee. The speaker hypothesizes why he had the…
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The Science of Sleep Paralysis
This clip discusses sleep paralysis from a scientific standpoint. It explains why and how it occurs, and why it is often associated with the idea that someone is being abducted, or that strange, shadowy figures are in the room with you. Why is it biologically necessary for us to be paralyzed while in REM sleep? What are hypnopompic hallucinations and…
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Behavioral Modifications for Sleep
A family practitioner discusses the use of behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene measures. Insomnia treatment is not solely medicinal and is often used in tandem with behavior modification principles. What are some of the recommendations for good sleep hygiene? Do you have any other suggestions to prevent insomnia?
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