CONSIOUSNESS Flashcards
What is consciousness?
Consciousness is your awareness of everything going on around you and inside your head at any given moment, which helps organize your behavior.
How do cognitive neuroscientists define consciousness?
It is generated by action potentials in neuron communication, producing perception, memory, or experience.
What are the two main types of consciousness?
- Waking consciousness – Clear, organized thoughts and sensations.
- Altered states of consciousness – A shift in mental activity, such as dreaming, hypnosis, or drug influence.
What is an altered state of consciousness?
A state where mental activity shifts in quality or pattern, like daydreaming, hypnosis, or drug effects.
What are some examples of altered states of consciousness?
Daydreaming, hypnosis, meditation, drug influence, divided attention, and sleep.
How does divided consciousness impact daily life?
It can cause people to perform tasks unconsciously, such as driving while thinking about something else.
What is sleep?
A biological rhythm necessary for survival, controlled by the brain and circadian rhythms.
What are circadian rhythms?
Biological cycles that occur approximately every 24 hours, like the sleep-wake cycle.
What part of the brain controls sleep?
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus, which regulates melatonin production
What role does melatonin play in sleep?
It is a hormone that regulates sleep by responding to light and darkness.
How does light affect sleep?
More light reduces melatonin production, making you wake up; darkness increases melatonin, making you sleepy.
What happens if you don’t get enough sleep?
Problems with concentration, memory, reaction time, and increased risk of accidents.
What are microsleeps?
Brief sidesteps into sleep lasting a few seconds, often occurring when sleep-deprived.
How much sleep do most adults need?
Around 7–9 hours per night, but some need more or less depending on individual differences.
What are the two main types of sleep?
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
What type of brain waves are present when a person is awake and alert?
Beta waves (small and fast).
How does REM sleep differ from NREM sleep?
REM sleep is a psychologically active sleep stage associated with dreaming, while NREM sleep includes lighter to deep, restful sleep stages.
What are the characteristics of brain waves as a person gets drowsy?
Alpha waves appear, which are slower and slightly larger than beta waves
Name the stages of sleep according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
- N1 (Light Sleep): Theta waves appear.
- N2 (Moderate Sleep): Sleep spindles (brief bursts of activity).
- N3 (Deep Sleep): Delta waves dominate.
- REM Sleep (R): Brain activity resembles wakefulness, with rapid eye movement and muscle paralysis.
What happens in Stage N1 (Light Sleep)?
Theta waves appear, and people may experience hypnagogic hallucinations or hypnic jerks.
What characterizes Stage N2 of sleep?
Sleep spindles appear, body temperature drops, and breathing becomes more shallow.
What happens in Stage N3 (Deep Sleep)?
Delta waves dominate, growth hormones are released, and the body is at its lowest level of functioning.
What is sleep paralysis?
A condition in REM sleep where voluntary muscles are paralyzed, preventing people from acting out dreams.
How does REM sleep contribute to emotional processing?
REM sleep increases after emotionally stressful days, helping to process emotions.
