Consciousness Flashcards
Awareness of everything that is going on around an individual at any given time
Consciousness
He compared consciousness to a water moving in a stream.
William James
He described consciousness as not a single stream but multiple channels operating in parallel.
Daniel Dennet
Your awareness of external stimuli and internal events at any given moment, which helps you organize your behavior and construct your reality.
Consciousness
Thoughts, emotions and perceptions are clear and organized.
Waking Consciousness
Shift in mental activity, leading to disorganized thoughts, changes in alertness, or divided awareness
Altered States of Consciousness
Altered state of consciousness ; lower muscle activity, limited sensory activity, and fewer interactions with the environment
Sleep
This is a circadian rhythm, controlled by the brain, specifically by an area within the hypothalamus
SLEEP-WAKE CYCLE
A cycle of bodily rhythm that occurs over a 24-hour period
Circadian Rhythm
This is a tiny section of the brain that influences the glandular system
Hypothalamus
It influences the release of melatonin ; receives direct input from some retinal ganglion cells responding to light ; internal clock
Suprachiasmatic nucleus
Brief sidesteps into sleep lasting only a few seconds
Microsleeps
This theory proposes that sleep is a product evolution.
Adaptive theory
This theory proposes that sleep is necessary to the physical health of the body. Also for memory retention.
Restorative Theory
Loss of sleep ; a serious problem without many people realizing
Sleep Deprivation
Two Kinds of Sleep
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM)
High active sleep stage ; dreaming occurs here and voluntary muscles are inhibited ; associated with memory processing and emotional regulation
REM Sleep
Lighter to deeper sleep stages ; More restorative than REM sleep, focusing on physical recovery
NRem Sleep
Patterns of electrical activity occurring in the brain ; can be seen using EEG
Brain Waves
Small, fast waves associated with mental activity
Beta Waves
Indicate relaxation or light sleep
Alpha Waves
Occur in early sleep stages
Theta Waves
Large, slow, waves found in deep sleep
Delta Waves
Transition from wakefulness to sleep
N1: Light Sleep
Forms the majority of total sleep duration, body temp drops, heart rate slows
N2: Sleep Spindles
Deepest stage of sleep; essential for immune system functioning and recovery ; growth hormones are released
N3: Delta Waves Roll In
Follows NREM sleep cycles, typically occurring every 90 minutes ; essential for mental health and cognitive function
REM Sleep
Functions of REM Sleep
Dreaming and Memory Processing, REM Rebound, Developmental Differences
This is the failure of muscle paralysis during REM sleep ; can be an early sign of neurodegenerative disorder
REM Behavior Disorder
Bad dreams during REM sleep
Nightmares
Bad dreams that occurs in deep sleep
Night Terrors
Also called as sonambulism ; more common in children, hereditary component ; occurs in deep sleep
Sleepwalking
Inability to get to sleep, stay asleep, or get a good quality of sleep
Insomnia
Breathing stops for 10 seconds or more during sleep ; snoring followed by gasping sounds
Sleep Apnea
Sleep seizure where a person suddenly enters REM sleep during the day ; accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness and possible cataplexy
Narcolepsy
Urinating while asleep in bed
Enuresis
Disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle such as jet lag and shift work
Circadian rhythm disorders
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Hypersomnia
Painful cramps in calf or foot muscles
Noctural Leg Cramps
Uncomfortable sensations in legs causing movement and loss of sleep
Restless Leg syndrome
What are the levels of consciousness?
Conscious, Subconscious, Unconscious
A state of consciousness in which a person is highly susceptible to suggestion
Hypnosis
This theory states that hypnosis worked only on the immediate conscious mind of a person, while a hidden part of the mind is aware of the activities.
Hypnosis as Dissociation: The Hidden Observer (Hilgard)
This theory assumes that people who are hypnotized are not in an altered state but are merely playing the role expected of them in a situation.
Hypnosis as Social Role-playing
A chemical that changes our states of consciousness, particularly our perceptions and moods ; influences neurotransmitters
Psychoactive Drugs
This is when the body becomes unable to function normally without the drug
Physical dependence
Reduced reaction to a drug following its repeated use
Drug Tolerance
Physical symptoms that occur upon an abrupt discontinuation in the intake of drugs
Withdrawal
When a drug is needed for a person’s psychological well-being
Psychological
What are the categories of psychoactive drugs?
Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens
Stops the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine in the synapses of the CNS
Stimulants
Stimulants synthesized in laboratories
Amphetamines
Natural drug found in coca plant leaves ; produces feeling of euphoria, energy and pleasures
Cocaine
Active ingredient in tobacco
Nicotine
Natural stimulant found in coffee and tea
Caffeine
Alter consciousness by increasing the production of the Gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitter and decreasing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
Depressants
TYPES OF DEPRESSANTS
Tranquilizers, Alcohol, Opiate
Drugs that are sleep inducing
Barbiturates (Major Tranquilizers)
Drugs that lower anxiety and reduce stress
Benzodiazepines (Minor tranquilizers)
Most commonly used and abused depressant
Alcohol
Has a chemical makeup similar to endorphins ; suppresses the sensation of pain
Opiates
Drugs that alter the brains interpretation of sensations and perception of reality
Hallucinogens
TYPES OF HALLUCINOGENS
Manufactured Highs and Non-manufactured Highs
Powerful synthetic hallucinogen from a grain fungus called ergot
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
Designer drug that can have both stimulant and hallucinatory effects
Ecstasy
Dangerous synthesized drug used as animal tranquilizers
PCP
Most commonly abused hallucinogenic drug that is derived from Cannabis sativa
Marijuana
