Asleep
Asleep
Asleep (/əˈsliːp/) is a state of natural rest characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, and inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles. It is distinguished from wakefulness by a decreased ability to react to stimuli, and is more easily reversible than being in hibernation or a coma.
Etymology
The term "asleep" comes from the Old English word "on slæpe", which means "in sleep". The prefix "a-" in "asleep" is a reduced form of the Old English preposition "on".
Related Terms
- Sleep: A naturally recurring state of mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, and inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles.
- Insomnia: A sleep disorder in which there is an inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep as long as desired.
- Narcolepsy: A long-term neurological disorder that involves a decreased ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
- Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep.
- REM Sleep: A unique phase of sleep in mammals and birds, characterized by random movement of the eyes, low muscle tone throughout the body, and the propensity of the sleeper to dream vividly.
- Non-REM Sleep: The portion of sleep during which there is the least brain activity. It is characterized by dreamless sleep, rapid eye movement, and body movements.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Asleep
- Wikipedia's article - Asleep
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