sleep (redirected from slumber)

sleep (slep) a period of rest for the body and mind, during which volition and consciousness are in abeyance and bodily functions are partially suspended; also described as a behavioral state, with characteristic immobile posture and diminished but readily reversible sensitivity to external stimuli.

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NREM sleep  non-rapid eye movement sleep; the deep, dreamless period of sleep during which the brain waves are slow and of high voltage, and autonomic activities, such as heart rate and blood pressure, are low and regular.

REM sleep  the period of sleep during which the brain waves are fast and of low voltage, and autonomic activities, such as heart rate and respiration, are irregular. This type of sleep is associated with dreaming, mild involuntary muscle jerks, and rapid eye movements (REM). It usually occurs three to four times each night at intervals of 80 to 120 minutes, each occurrence lasting from 5 minutes to more than an hour.

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sleep (slp)

n.

A natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a decrease in bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli. During sleep the brain in humans and other mammals undergoes a characteristic cycle of brain-wave activity that includes intervals of dreaming.

v.

To be in the state of sleep.

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sleep,

n a period of rest for the body and mind, during which volition and consciousness are in partial or complete abeyance and the bodily functions partially suspended.

sleep apnea,

n a sleep disorder characterized by periods of an absence of attempts to breathe. The person is momentarily unable to move respiratory muscles or maintain airflow through the nose and oral cavity.

sleep, twilight,

n (seminarcosis), a state of amnesia and analgesia produced by an injection of scopolamine and morphine.

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sleep

a period of rest during which volition and consciousness are in partial or complete abeyance and the bodily functions partially suspended; a behavioral state marked by characteristic immobile posture and diminished but readily reversible sensitivity to external stimuli.

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sleep deprivation

caused in animals by constant stimulation, e.g. preventing them from lying down, is followed by a compensatory period of prolonged sleep whenever the opportunity arises.

sleep disorders

see narcolepsy, cataplexy.

put to sleep

a common euphemism for euthanasia.

rapid eye movement sleep

that type of sleep characterized by low voltage but fast electroencephalographic activity and little muscular activity except of the ocular muscles. Believed to be the critical or necessary component of sleep. Called also 'sleep of the body' and paradoxical sleep. Called also REM.