Soc Flashcards
What is consciousness?
Awareness of our self and environment, with varying levels induced by external factors such as drugs or internal mental efforts.
What is alertness?
State of being awake.
What characterizes daydreaming?
A relaxed state with reduced focus, can also be light meditation.
Define drowsiness.
State just before falling asleep or after waking up, can also be self-induced in deep meditation.
What happens during sleep?
Not aware of the world around you, with 4 main types of brainwaves.
List the four main types of brainwaves.
- Beta (13-30Hz) - associated with awake/concentration
- Alpha (8-13Hz) - in daydreaming and relaxation
- Theta (7Hz) - drowsiness, right after falling asleep
- Delta (0.5-3Hz) - deep sleep or coma
What is the function of EEGs?
Measure brainwaves.
What are the stages of sleep?
N1, N2, N3, N2, REM.
What characterizes N1 sleep?
Dominated by theta waves, strange sensations such as hypnagogic hallucinations.
What are sleep spindles?
Help inhibit certain perceptions to maintain a tranquil state during sleep.
What are K-complexes?
Suppress cortical arousal and assist in sleep-based memory consolidation.
What is N3 sleep characterized by?
Slow wave sleep, characterized by delta waves.
What occurs during REM sleep?
Most dreaming occurs, muscles are paralyzed, important for memory consolidation.
Define circadian rhythms.
Regular body rhythms across a 24-hour period, controlled by melatonin.
What is the role of melatonin?
Produced in the pineal gland, controls sleep cycles and body temperature.
True or False: Everybody dreams during REM sleep.
True.
What did Sigmund Freud propose about dreams?
Dreams are our unconscious thoughts and desires that need to be interpreted.
What is the Activation Synthesis Hypothesis?
Brain tries to find meaning from random neural activity during sleep.
What are the effects of sleep deprivation?
Increased irritability, poorer memory, susceptibility to obesity and depression.
How many hours of sleep are generally recommended for adults?
7-8 hours.
What is insomnia?
Persistent trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
What is narcolepsy?
Inability to control sleep, experiencing fits of sleepiness and entering REM sleep.
What is sleep apnea?
Condition where breathing stops during sleep, often unaware to the person.
What is the difference between obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea?
- Obstructive sleep apnea - caused by blockage of airways
- Central sleep apnea - caused by a problem in the brain’s control of ventilation
What is hypnotism?
State of relaxation and focus that increases susceptibility to suggestion.
What are the two theories for how hypnosis works?
- Dissociation Theory - extreme form of divided consciousness
- Social Influence Theory - people act based on expectations
What is meditation?
Training to self-regulate attention and awareness, can be guided or unfocused.
What are depressants?
Drugs that lower the body’s basic functions and neural activity.
What is the most popular depressant?
Alcohol.
What are barbiturates used for?
Inducing sleep or reducing anxiety.
What do benzodiazepines enhance?
The brain’s response to GABA.
What are opiates used for?
To treat pain and anxiety.
What are stimulants?
Drugs that stimulate or intensify neural activity and bodily functions.
What is ecstasy classified as?
A synthetic drug that is both a stimulant and hallucinogen.
What are hallucinogens?
Drugs that cause hallucinations and altered perceptions.
What is THC?
The main active chemical in marijuana, heightens sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
What is homeostasis?
The maintenance of stable internal conditions like temperature and heartbeat.
