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This episode is packed with essential high-yield information for your MCAT prep, covering the biological, physiological, and psychological aspects of sleep. We\u2019ll explore various sleep theories, like the Memory Consolidation and Brain Plasicticity Theories, and even discuss the controversial \u201cSleeping When You Die\u201d theory. We\u2019ll also delve into dream theories, including Freud\u2019s interpretations and the Activation Synthesys Hypothesis. Plus, we\u2019ll address common sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, alongside the effects of different drugs on your sleep patterns.\xa0

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We\u2019ll cover critical brain structures involved in sleep, such as the hypothalamus and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and break down the stages of sleep measured through EEG, EMG, and EOG.\xa0

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Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

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[00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics podcast with host, Sam Smith

[04:05] Pineal gland, amygdala, basal forebrain in sleep.

[07:40] Measuring postsynaptic potential, not action potentials. EEG waves distinguish sleep stages. EMG records muscle electrical activity.

[10:46] Alpha waves awake, theta waves asleep. Hallucinations in stage N1 sleep.

[15:01] Unconfirmed sleepwalking. Stages of sleep explained.

[18:18] Sleep cycles lengthen REM stage, diagrams illustrate.

[19:50] We don't remember all our dreams.

[23:55] Shifting circadian rhythms due to changes in light.

[29:10] Blind people's melatonin release entrained with light.

[29:41] Cortisol secretion cycle follows a circadian rhythm.

[35:09] Freud: Dreams represent unconscious desires; manifest vs latent.

[38:53] Divorce dreams related to spouse thinking time. Broad sleep disorder categories: insomnia, breathing, hypersomnolence.

[41:18] Hypersomnia, narcolepsy, drugs' impact on sleep.

[44:14 Brief primer on drug effects on sleep.

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