Question

True or False?? If the threat is real enough to the individual, the heart rate increases, breathing becomes shallow, and slow, and the person may have a surge of energy that is best handled by sleeping

Answer 1

The statement is false as a real threat induces a fight-or-flight response, causing increased heart rate and rapid, deep breathing, not sleep. These changes provide energy and enhanced physical responses to deal with the threat.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement as presented is false. If the threat is real enough to an individual, the physiological changes experienced do not make sleep the best response. Instead, the body prepares for a fight-or-flight response.

When a threat or danger is perceived, the body reacts by triggering the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, enhanced alertness, and elevated breathing rate. The purpose of these changes is to prepare the individual to either confront the threat (fight) or flee from it (flight). Actions such as the heart rate increasing, and breathing becoming rapid and deep, are meant to increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to essential muscles and organs.

The activation of sweat glands helps control body temperature during potential physical exertion. These physiological changes provide a surge of energy and enhanced physical capacities, not a signal to sleep. On the contrary, after the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system may induce a state of rest to recover from the stressor.