Dakota is taking a prescription drug,and one of the side effects of the drug is an increase in the stimulation of ascending fibers in the reticular activating system.Dakota is likely to find that he
A) wants to sleep all the time.
B) no longer experiences REM sleep.
C) has difficulty falling asleep.
D) begins to dream during Stage 3 and 4 sleep.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reticular activating system is responsible for promoting wakefulness and arousal. An increase in the stimulation of ascending fibers in this system can, therefore, make it more difficult for Dakota to fall asleep, as he may feel more alert and awake. This is likely to make it harder for him to initiate sleep, leading to difficulty falling asleep. Option A is unlikely because an increase in stimulation of the reticular activating system would result in less desire to sleep all the time. Option B is also unlikely, as REM sleep is a crucial stage of the sleep cycle and is not likely to be completely eliminated by a prescription drug. Option D is also incorrect, as dreaming primarily occurs during REM sleep, whereas an increase in arousal caused by the drug is likely to disturb this stage.

Dakota Is Taking a Prescription Drug,and One of the Side