A person says, I often feel like I have been dreaming just before ...

[abc]

A person says, I often feel like I have been dreaming just before I awake in the morning. Which rationale correctly explains the comment?
 
  a. Sleep architecture changes during the sleep period, resulting in increased slow-wave sleep at the end of the cycle.
  b. Cycles of rapid eye movement sleep increase in the second half of sleep and occupy longer periods.
  c. Dreams occur more frequently when a person is experiencing unresolved conflicts or depression.
  d. Dream content relates directly to developmental tasks. The person is likely feeling autonomous.

Question 2

A person is prescribed lorazepam (Ativan) 2 mg po bid prn for anxiety. When the person takes this medication, which change in sleep is anticipated? The patient will:
 
  a. have fewer dreams.
  b. have less slow-wave sleep.
  c. experience extended sleep latency.
  d. enter sleep through rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

[ryhom]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Cycles of rapid eye movement sleep increase in the second half of sleep and occupy longer periods, up to 1 hour. Dreaming occurs during REM sleep. The question relates to sleep architecture rather than dream content.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine, which reduces slow-wave sleep. REM sleep would likely increase. Persons with narcolepsy often enter sleep through REM.