Question

which of the following is evidence for cultural influences on sleep patterns? group of answer choices brain waves are generally elevated and variable during rem sleep. newborn babies spend more time in rem sleep than in nrem sleep. the sleep patterns of identical twins are usually similar. sleep patterns reflect differences in latent and manifest dream content. people in countries without electric lights generally sleep longer.

Answer 1

Cultural influences on sleep patterns are evident in the variation of sleep timing and duration among different societies, particularly in relation to the presence of electric lighting and cultural practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evidence for cultural influences on sleep patterns can be observed in how the availability of electric lighting and various cultural practices affect sleep duration and timing. For instance, people in countries without electric lights generally sleep longer, suggesting that artificial light alters natural sleep cycles. Cultures that prioritize social activities at night or have siesta traditions during the day show variations in sleep patterns, demonstrating the strong interaction between cultural practices and sleep.

While brain wave patterns during REM and non-REM sleep stages are universal biological processes, the timing and duration of sleep can vary widely based on lifestyle, cultural norms, and environmental cues such as light exposure. Sleep patterns are heavily influenced by the circadian rhythms, which are synchronized with the day-night cycle in our environment, but can be disrupted by factors like shift work or jet lag. The presence of electric lighting allows for extended activity periods during the night, which alters the natural alignment with the circadian cycle, and provides an example of how technological advances have culturally influenced sleep habits.