Sleep Disorders

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyse the complex interplay between endogenous pacemakers (e.g., the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus) and exogenous zeitgebers (e.g., light) in the regulation of circadian, infradian, and ultradian rhythms. The study encompasses the etiology, symptoms, and management of specific sleep disorders, notably insomnia, narcolepsy, and parasomnias (sleepwalking). Assessment requires the evaluation of biological versus cognitive explanations and the application of research findings to real-world scenarios such as shift work and jet lag.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Onset Insomnia (difficulty initiating sleep)
    • Maintenance Insomnia (difficulty maintaining sleep/early waking)
    • Cataplexy (loss of muscle tone triggered by emotion)
    • Hypocretin/Orexin (neurotransmitter lacking in narcoleptics)
    • CBT components: Stimulus Control and Sleep Restriction

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You identified the disorder correctly, but you must cite specific symptoms from the text to support your diagnosis (AO2)"
    • "Your definition of Narcolepsy is accurate; now explain the role of hypocretin to access higher marks"
    • "Avoid generic evaluation; explain *why* CBT is preferred over medication for long-term management"
    • "Differentiate clearly between Onset and Maintenance insomnia—your response conflates the two"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for clear distinction between Onset Insomnia (trouble falling asleep) and Maintenance Insomnia (trouble staying asleep)
    • Credit references to hypocretin deficiency and autoimmune responses when explaining Narcolepsy causes
    • Responses must link Narcolepsy symptoms to REM sleep intrusion (e.g., cataplexy, sleep paralysis)
    • Evaluation of treatments must contrast the long-term benefits of CBT against the dependency risks of medication

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When discussing Narcolepsy, explicitly use the terms 'Cataplexy' and 'Hypocretin' to secure AO1 marks
    • 💡In scenario questions, identify specific symptoms (e.g., 'waking frequently') to justify your diagnosis of Maintenance Insomnia
    • 💡For 9-mark questions, ensure evaluation points (AO3) are balanced with accurate description (AO1)—do not just describe the disorder
    • 💡When evaluating treatments, use 'dependency' and 'tolerance' rather than generic phrases like 'addiction'

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the symptoms of Narcolepsy (e.g., equating cataplexy with simple tiredness)
    • Describing 'stress' as a cause of insomnia without explaining the physiological arousal mechanism
    • Failing to distinguish between treating symptoms (medication) and addressing underlying causes (CBT)

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Calculate
    Evaluate
    Discuss

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