Vivian- There would seem to me to be a number of reasons that might be true. (First of all, I question if it is necessarily true for I've awoken after longer than normal sleep feeling quite refreshed on numerous occasions-- perhaps the student is remembering a recent or particularly meaningful occasion?) According to my reading, we awake refreshed, more often than not when we wake naturally from REM sleep. IF REM provides a restorative function it is perhaps that we are awaking from other than REM sleep, awakening more gradually etc. But I suspect that isn't correct. My suspicion is related to why someone would sleep 12 - 14 hours. I suspect when you do that it is because you are highly stressed or just coming out of a stressful period. Personally, I only sleep that much if I've been ill or a semester ended yesterday (and I'll admit 9 - 10 hours is long to me, not 12 - 14). So I suspect it has more to do with non-sleep related factors like cortisol levels (though those are variable during sleep as well) and other stress related factors. Immune function could also play a role if you are ill or fighting off illness you'd awaken groggy and sleepy. Then there is the likelihood that one who awakens after 12 hours or more is even more food deprived and dehydrated than normal. I don't think there is AN answer to the question personally. Tim
********************************************** Timothy O. Shearon, Ph.D. Department of Psychology (Chairperson) Albertson College of Idaho Caldwell, Idaho ph- 208-459-5840 teaching interests: neuropsychology, history of psychology, developmental (topical), intro -----Original Message----- From: Vivian Hamilton [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2002 9:17 AM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences Subject: Sleep Question Good morning, tipsters, While discussing sleep in my intro class yesterday, a student asked why, when we sleep too much (e.g., 12-14 hours), we wake up groggy. I've looked in some of my reference books, but haven't found any information on too much sleep. What do all of you know about it (and, is this in fact a common symptom of too much sleep)? Thanks, Vivian Vivian M. Hamilton Instructor of Psychology Portland Community College 12000 SW 49th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97219 (503) 977-4296 --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
