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VICPsychologyQuick questions
Unit 4: How is mental wellbeing supported and maintained?
Quick questions on Circadian rhythm sleep disorders and bright light therapy: VCE Psychology Unit 4
3short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is delayed sleep phase syndrome?Show answer
In delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) the sleep-wake cycle is shifted later than usual. The person cannot fall asleep until very late (for example the early hours of the morning) and, left alone, would naturally wake late in the day. The internal clock is set late, so attempts to sleep and wake at conventional times fail.
What is advanced sleep phase disorder?Show answer
In advanced sleep phase disorder (ASPD) the cycle is shifted earlier. The person feels sleepy in the early evening, falls asleep well before a conventional bedtime, and wakes very early in the morning, unable to return to sleep. It is in effect the mirror image of DSPS and is more common in older adults. The wellbeing cost comes from the early waking and the difficulty staying awake for evening activities.
What is shift work?Show answer
Shift work disrupts the sleep-wake cycle by requiring a person to be awake and working when their circadian rhythm is signalling sleep, and to sleep during the day when it is signalling wakefulness. The body clock and the imposed schedule are misaligned: melatonin and cortisol stay tuned to the natural day rather than the work pattern. The result is difficulty sleeping during the day, sleepiness at work, reduced alertness, and over time impaired mood and wellbeing.
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