Consciousness Flashcards
What is consciousness
What is a stimulus
Awareness of internal and external stimuli.
•A state of awareness of ourselves and of the world around us.
•Awareness of internal stimuli includes feeling pain, hunger, thirst, sleepiness, and being aware of our thoughts and emotions. Awareness of external stimuli includes experiences such as seeing the light from the sun, feeling the warmth of a room, and hearing the voice of a friend.
•Stimulus is any event, object or situation that evokes a response or reaction from an organism
What are states of consciousness?
State the seven states of consciousness
STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
●Levels of consciousness ranging from alert wakefulness to deep sleep
1.Focused Awareness/Directed consciousness
2.Flowing consciousness/Drifting Consciousness
3.Daydreams
4.Divided consciousness
5.Wakefulness
6.Sleeping and Dreaming
7.Altered states of consciousness
What is focused awareness or directed consciousness
What is the importance of focused awareness?
A state of heightened alertness in which one is fully absorbed in the task at hand (ordered and one-tracked).
•Eg: “engrossed in watching a movie, or reading a book that’s a real “page-turner,” that you lost all awareness of time and any distracting external stimuli (traffic noises, rumbling air conditioners) and even disturbing internal stimuli (sensations of hunger or nagging aches and pains).
•Focused awareness allows us to perform at our best when completing tasks that require fixed attention, such as when you are learning a new skill or fully concentrating when studying for an exam.(so you can use this to your advantage for when you want to focus on certain things)
•Facebook use evokes a similar physiological response pattern called a “core flow state” - characterized by a pleasurable arousal and focused awareness where one is completely absorbed in the activity at hand (Mauri et al., 2011).the above reason is why when you’re scrolling through TikTok, you can be so focused on it and forget other stuff you’re doing
What is flowing consciousness or drifting consciousness
A conscious state characterised by awareness drifts from one thought to another.
•Example: From emotion to an irritating itch such that you scratch it then When you’re done, you go back to the reminiscence or the emotion you were feeling
What is daydreaming?
Why is it difficult for the brain to process information during daydreaming?
Relatively focused thinking about fantasies.
•A form of consciousness during a waking state in which one’s mind wanders to dreamy thoughts or fantasies.
•Our minds tend to wander more when we are bored or performing unstructured activities, such as waiting for a bus.
•Daydreaming in class can disrupt recent memories, so it’s best to maintain your focus if you want to remember the day’s lecture.
•We also tend to blink more when our mind wanders, which reduces the amount of information coming into the brain, making it more difficult for the brain to process information, including lecture material.
What is divided consciousness
The splitting of two conscious activities that occur simultaneously.
•A state of awareness characterized by divided attention to two or more tasks or activities performed at the same time
•One of these activities is typically a mechanical task, such as driving or washing dishes.
Exeample of divided consciousness is if your child comes to you and you’re busily using your phone, your child may be there but you won’t see her or him because of the phone you’re using
•Divided attention also comes into play in the phenomenon of inattentional blindness, the failure to notice something right in front of your eyes because your attention is directed elsewhere.
What is wakefulness
What is sleep?
What is the difference between sleep and wakefulness
What governs the balance between wakefulness and sleep
Wakefulness and Sleeping
•Wakefulness
•It is a consciousness characterized by alertness, and high levels of sensory awareness, and the ability to engage in cognitive and physical activities.
•The brain and the body are actively functioning, and sensory system are responsive to the external environment.
•Sleep
•It is a state marked by relatively low levels of physical activity and reduced sensory awareness that is distinct from periods of rest that occur during wakefulness. So during wakefulness you can have rest but that rest during wakefulness isn’t like sleep
•The balance between the wakefulness and sleep is governed by the body’s Internal Circadian Rhythm and Homeostatic Sleep Drive.
What is circadian rhythm
What is biological rhythm
The word circadian is derived from the Latin roots circa (“about”) and dies (“day”).
•The Circadian Rhythm is a biological rhythm of a pattern of fluctuations in bodily processes that occur regularly each day.
So circadian is for every 24 hours and is a biological rhythm while biological rhythm isn’t for every 24 hours but has cyclical pattern of bodily changes
•Biological rhythms are internal rhythms of biological activity that are recurring, and cyclical pattern of bodily changes. Eg. Menstrual cycle.
•Alertness is associated with higher body temperatures, and sleepiness with lower body temperatures.
Which functions of the body are regulated by the circadian rhythm
Circadian Rhythm includes cyclical fluctuating of the body temperature over 24 hour period, heart rate, Blood pressure, Blood Sugar, Sleep-wake cycle.
Body temperature is not the same throughout the whole day. True or false
True
Explain is the sleep wake cycle?
This cycle involves three main parts of the body.
1. The retina in the eye: it receives stimulus from light energy and it converts it to action potential and this action potential will be sent to the Suprachiasmatic nucleus(SCN)(this is the internal clock of the body)
High melatonin means you’re sleeping or about to sleep and low melatonin means you’re waking up soon.
When you go to bed and you’re about to sleep,melatonin production is low but it starts increasing based on the stimulus that the retina picks.
2. Pinea gland: when the SCN receive this action potential, the Pinea gland which is location in the brain, synthesizes melatonin. The concentration of melatonin controls our sleep wake cycle. It is controlled by the SCN which is an internal clock. The SCN is also controlled by light rays
The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is an internal body clock that regulates our sleep–wake cycles.
•It receives impulses from the retina when the in response to light.
•The SCN in turn regulates the Pineal Gland, which, releases the hormone melatonin.
•Melatonin helps synchronize the body’s sleep – wake cycle by making us feel sleepy.
•Exposure to darkness during evening hours stimulates the brain’s production of melatonin and bright light causes melatonin production to fall, helping us to be awake and alert during the daylight hours.
What determines the stages of sleep?
Determined by the Electroencephalograph (EEG) which tracks brain waves, which vary in intensity or amplitude (height of the wave) and speed or frequency (wave cycles per second).
•Alpha waves: (Fast with moderate amplitude. During meditation and light sleep and Associated with calmness and well-being)
•Beta waves: (Fast with low amplitude, Predominant during waking hours and Linked to active thinking and decision-making; high levels could indicate stress.)
•Theta waves: (Slow with moderate amplitude, During deep relaxation and light sleep and Linked to creativity, intuition, and emotional connections).
•Delta: (Slow with high amplitude, During profound, dreamless sleep and Vital for healing, tissue repair, and memory consolidation).
Explain the principle behind jet lag?
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, is out of sync with the time zone they are traveling to. This misalignment between the body’s internal clock and the external environment can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, digestive issues, and disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle.
- Circadian Rhythm Disruption: The circadian rhythm is an internal biological clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness over a 24-hour period. Traveling across time zones can disrupt this rhythm, making it difficult for the body to adjust to the new schedule.
- Light Exposure: Light is a primary cue for resetting the circadian clock. Exposure to light at inappropriate times can further confuse the body’s internal clock, delaying or advancing the sleep-wake cycle.
- Hormonal Changes: Jet lag affects the production of hormones such as melatonin, which regulates sleep. Melatonin production is influenced by light exposure, and changes in light-dark patterns can alter its secretion, making it harder to fall asleep or wake up at the desired times.
- Gradual Adjustment Before Travel: Gradually shifting your sleep and wake times to match the destination time zone a few days before departure can help reduce the impact of jet lag.
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Light Exposure Management:
- Eastward Travel: Expose yourself to morning light and avoid evening light to help advance the sleep phase.
- Westward Travel: Expose yourself to evening light and avoid morning light to help delay the sleep phase.
- Melatonin Supplements: Taking melatonin supplements can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, especially when traveling eastward. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.
- Hydration and Diet: Staying hydrated and eating light meals at appropriate times can support the body’s adjustment. Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime as they can disrupt sleep.
- Sleep Hygiene: Maintain good sleep hygiene by creating a comfortable sleep environment, limiting screen time before bed, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Nap Strategically: Short naps (20-30 minutes) can help alleviate fatigue, but avoid long naps that might interfere with nighttime sleep.
- Consistent Schedule: Stick to a consistent sleep and wake schedule as closely as possible, even on weekends, to help regulate your internal clock.
By understanding the mechanisms behind jet lag and employing strategies to manage it, travelers can minimize its effects and adjust their sleep-wake cycles more effectively.
Not part of the slides and you won’t be asked this but it’s for my own learning
Why people wake up tired
Feeling tired upon waking up can be influenced by several factors, some of which are related to the principles behind jet lag and the circadian rhythm. Here are some common reasons for waking up tired:
- Sleep Inertia: This is the grogginess and disorientation that many people feel immediately after waking up. It usually lasts for a few minutes to half an hour and occurs because the brain is transitioning from a sleep state to wakefulness. Waking up from deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) can intensify sleep inertia.
- Circadian Rhythm Misalignment: If your sleep schedule is not aligned with your natural circadian rhythm, you might wake up feeling tired. This can happen if you have irregular sleep patterns, shift work, or exposure to artificial light at night.
- Sleep Quality: Poor sleep quality, caused by factors such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or an uncomfortable sleeping environment, can result in feeling unrefreshed upon waking.
- Sleep Duration: Both insufficient sleep and excessive sleep can lead to feeling tired. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but the exact amount can vary individually.
- Sleep Stages: The stage of sleep you wake up from matters. Waking up during a deep sleep stage (slow-wave sleep) or REM sleep can leave you feeling more tired compared to waking up from a lighter sleep stage.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy can interfere with the sleep cycle, leading to fatigue upon waking.
- Lifestyle Factors: Diet, exercise, stress, and overall health significantly impact sleep quality. Poor lifestyle choices, such as consuming caffeine or alcohol before bed, can disrupt sleep.
- Jet Lag or Shift Work: Rapid changes in time zones or irregular work schedules can misalign your internal clock, leading to fatigue upon waking.
- Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
- Optimize Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Use comfortable bedding and consider blackout curtains or a white noise machine if needed.
- Limit Stimulants: Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can interfere with sleep quality.
- Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, meditation, or taking a warm bath, to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
- Manage Light Exposure: Get plenty of natural light during the day, especially in the morning, and limit exposure to artificial light in the evening. Consider using a blue light filter on screens.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality, but try to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet and avoid heavy meals right before bedtime.
By addressing these factors, you can improve your sleep quality and reduce the likelihood of waking up feeling tired.
State the four main stages of sleep
Stage 1-Light Sleep
Stage 2-Sleep Spindles
Stage 3-Delta Waves
Stage 4-Deep Sleep
Explain what happens during light sleep as a stage of sleep?
What physiological and brain changes occur during light sleep
STAGE 1
oIt is a transitional phase between wakefulness and sleep
oAs one enter Light Sleep, the rates of respiration and heartbeat. slowdowns
oMarked decrease in both overall muscle tension and core body temperature.
oThe muscles relaxation causes muscle twitch called Hypnic jerk or Hypnagogic Jerk.
oIn Stage 1 sleep the EEG is made up mainly of small irregular waves with.
oThe early portion of stage produces Alpha waves (relatively low frequency & high amplitude ) and later increase in Theta waves (lower frequency & higher amplitude).
oIt is relatively easy to wake someone from stage 1 sleep; in fact, people often report that they have not been asleep if they are awoken during stage 1 sleep.
Explain what happens in stage 2 sleep
STAGE 2
Stage 2 sleep is characterized by appearance of sleep spindles and k complexes
oAs sleep deepens, body temperature drops further with state of deep relaxation.
oTheta waves still dominate but they are interrupted by brief bursts of activity known as Sleep Spindles which are short burst of distinctive brain-wave activity.
oSpindles seem to mark the true boundary of sleep. Within 4 mintues after spindles appear, most will say the were asleep.
oThere is appearance of K-complexes (a very high amplitude pattern of brain activity that may in some cases occur in response to environmental stimuli).
oPeople spend more than half of their sleep time in Stage 2 sleep. This is a deeper stage of sleep, but the person can still be readily awakened.
