Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which type of sleep declines significantly with organic brain dysfunction?

1. Non-REM sleep

2. Deep sleep

3. REM sleep

4. Stage 1 sleep

The correct answer is: REM sleep

The choice highlighting REM sleep as the type of sleep that declines significantly with organic brain dysfunction is accurate for several reasons. REM sleep is characterized by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams. It is associated with memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and other critical cognitive functions. In individuals with organic brain dysfunction, such as those with neurodegenerative diseases or other significant brain pathologies, evidence suggests a reduced capacity to enter and maintain REM sleep. This is noteworthy because REM sleep disturbances are often linked with cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and can correlate with the progression of various neurological conditions. Deep sleep, while also important for restorative processes, might not show the same degree of decline in all cases of organic brain dysfunction. It is the unique characteristics of REM sleep that are particularly sensitive to brain health. The alterations in sleep architecture can reflect the ongoing dysfunction within the brain, making the monitoring of REM sleep critical in assessing the overall impact of organic brain disorders on sleep quality and brain function.