Which of the following statements about brain activity during sleep is TRUE?
A) There is no abrupt change from NREM to REM sleep; instead, each 90-minute cycle of NREM and REM sleep reflects the gradual changing balance of REM-off and REM-on neuronal activity.
B) PET scans have revealed that there are no differences in brain activity during REM and NREM sleep.
C) The frontal lobes and the primary visual cortex are much more active during REM sleep than they are during wakefulness.
D) There is a distinct and abrupt change in the brain as a person goes from NREM to REM sleep as REM-on neurons suddenly become very active.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research has shown that there is no abrupt change from NREM to REM sleep, but rather a gradual change in the balance of REM-off and REM-on neuronal activity. This explains why each 90-minute cycle of NREM and REM sleep reflects a changing balance between the two states. PET scans have shown clear differences in brain activity between REM and NREM sleep, and it is the limbic system and visual association areas that are more active during REM sleep, not the frontal lobes and primary visual cortex. Option D is incorrect since there is no sudden change in brain activity as a person transitions from NREM to REM sleep.

Which of the Following Statements About Brain Activity During Sleep