
In the context of sleep, aromatherapy typically involves disseminating fragrances meant to induce relaxation at night or alertness during the day. Aromatherapy: The use of specific smells to affect aspects of physical or mental health.Artificial light: Light that comes from a source other than the sun.

In a sleep study, arousals may be detected by changes in heart rate, breathing, or muscle activity. Arousal: An abrupt change from a deeper to a lighter stage of sleep or from sleeping toward waking up.

When used to describe sleeping problems or disorders, acute is often used to differentiate from chronic conditions. Actigraphy, such as with wearable devices, can be used to measure the amount of time that a person spends doing different types of activities, including sleep.

Readers looking for information about sleep disorders are encouraged to visit our landing page for sleep disorders. Because of their complexity, sleep disorders are not covered in this sleep dictionary.
