sleep

n. a circadian state characterized by partial or total suspension of consciousness, voluntary muscle inhibition, and relative insensitivity to stimulation. Other characteristics include unique sleep-related electroencephalogram and brain-imaging patterns (see sleep stages). These characteristics help distinguish normal sleep from a loss of consciousness due to brain injury, disease, or drugs. See also NREM sleep; REM sleep.

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Psychology term of the day

April 20th 2024

erotogenesis

n. in classical psychoanalytic theory, the origination of erotic impulses from sources that may include the anal, oral, and genital zones. See erotization.