Study for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive quiz that includes flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is insomnia?

  1. A sequence of images and thoughts during sleep

  2. Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep

  3. High arousal and appearance of being terrified at night

  4. Burst of rapid brainwave activity

The correct answer is: Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep

Insomnia is defined as recurring problems in falling or staying asleep. This condition is characterized by difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep throughout the night, or waking up too early and being unable to go back to sleep. The impact of insomnia extends beyond just the act of sleeping; it often leads to daytime impairments, fatigue, and difficulties in concentration due to the lack of restorative sleep. The other choices describe different sleep-related conditions or phenomena that are not aligned with the specific definition of insomnia. For instance, a sequence of images and thoughts during sleep refers to dreams, while high arousal and a sense of terror at night are characteristics typically associated with night terrors. Lastly, bursts of rapid brainwave activity relate more to specific sleep stages like REM sleep, rather than to insomnia itself. Understanding insomnia through this lens highlights its distinctive features and implications for overall health and well-being.