STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS Flashcards
Define consciousness
our awareness of internal and external environments at any given time. It is described as personal, selective and continuous
Explain consciousness as a psychological construct
consciousness is referred to as a psychological construct as it is an entity we believe that exists but we cannot directly measure or observe this entity
What is subjective data?
data collected through personal observations, interpretations, emotions and judgement
What is objective data?
measurements of behaviour collected under control conditions which allow data to be directly observed or measured
What is the state of consciousness as described as a continuum?
total awareness-> complete lack of awareness
- selective attention
- controlled processes
- divided attention
- automatic processes
- day dreaming
- mediation
- hypnosis
- light sleep
- deep sleep
Define Normal waking consciousness (NWC)
a state of consciousness characterised by clear and organised alertness to internal and external stimuli. generally see the presence of beta brain waves
List common psychological characteristics experienced in NWC?
- moderate to high levels of awareness
- good memory and cognitive abilities
- focused attention on specific tasks
- an accurate perception of reality
Define altered state of consciousness (ASC)
a state of consciousness that is characteristically different from NWC as their is a lack of awareness, sensation and perception.
What are common psychological characteristics experienced in ASC?
- low levels of awareness
- memory difficulties and reduced cognitive abilities
- difficulty paying attention to specific tasks
- distorted perception of reality
- inappropriate or uncharacterised emotions
- lack of self control
What are the two types of ASC?
induced or naturally occurring
Define natural occurring ASC?
an asc that is produced spontaneously without any conscious effort or decision making. e.g day dreaming, sleep
Define induced ASC?
an ASC that is intentionally produced, for example hypnosis, drinking alcohol, doing drugs, medication, anaesthetised
Define electroencephalograph (EEG)
a machine used to detect,amplify and record the brains electrical activity, measured in the form of brainwaves
Define frequency and what high frequency suggests
The number of brainwaves per second. the higher the frequency the greater the brain activity
Define amplitude
the strength of the brainwave as measured by the size of peaks and troughs from a baseline of 0.
Define Beta brainwaves
brainwaves that are a characteristic of NWC. low amp and high frequency
Define Alpha brainwaves
brainwaves experienced during a deeply relaxed state. low amp and med-high frequency
Define Theta brainwaves
brainwaves experienced during early stages of sleep. med-high amp and low-med frequency
Define Delta brainwaves
brainwaves experienced during deepest stages of sleep, high amp low frequency
Define electro-oculograph (EOG)
a machine used to detect, amplify and record the electrical activity of muscles that control eye movement. recorded through small electrodes attached around eyes
Define electromyograph (EMG)
a machine used to detect, amplify and record the electrical activity of voluntary muscles. NWC=tense
ASC=muscles gradually relax
electrodes are attached to skin surface, chin, arm and leg
Other techniques to investigate consciousness
- speed and accuracy on cognitive tasks
- subjective reporting of consciousness
- sleep diaries and video monitoring
Explain the measurement of speed and accuracy of cognitive tasks
a common way to test speed and accuracy of cognitive tasks is through a PVT. A PVT requires participants to respond to visual stimuli to measure speed and accuracy
^in errors=ASC
Decrease in reaction time=ASC
Define self reports
involve an individual keeping record of their own subjective experience(thoughts feelings and behaviours).
Describe a sleep diary as a form of self reporting
a sleep diary is a log of subjective behavioural and psychological experiences surrounding a persons sleep. they may include consumption of food/drink before bed, amount of time it took to get to sleep or any sleep disturbance
What is an advantage of self reports?
provide an insight to covert thoughts of subject that cannot be directly observed
What is a disadvantage of self-reports?
accuracy may be affected as the subject may not remember details such as sleep disturbances
-dont recall what we do in sleep
Describe video monitoring as a form of investigating consciousness
video monitoring involves the use of infrared cameras to video a person while they are sleeping to record and analyse any observable disturbances in their sleep. may be conducted in a sleep laboratory
During NWC how is our awareness affected?
during NWC a person has a high level awareness off internal and external stimuli.
How is awareness affected in ASC?
during ASC awareness is greatly reduced, therefore we are less aware of internal stimuli. because of reduced awareness it is difficult to focus tour attention on a tasks that requires a high level of awareness.
Define controlled processes
are actions that require high levels of attention, awareness and concentration in order to actively achieve goals. can only be done in NWC. all attention must be on task
Define selective attention
is attending to a particular stimulus while ignoring others. requires high level of attention
Can a controlled process become an automatic process?
yes only with practice though
Define automatic process
is a set of actions that require little conscious effort or awareness and do not interfere with performance of other activities. therefore can complete in ASC
Define divided attention
is being able to distribute your attention to 2 or more tasks/stimuli simultaneously
What combinations of processes can be done using divided attention?
2 automatic processes simultaneously or 1 automatic and 1 controlled
Describe content limitations in NWC
during NWC our thoughts are usually controlled and limited to reality. this allows us to control the content of our thoughts. during NWC our thoughts are usually organised and logical. also have the ability to process a lot of information
Describe content limitations in ASC
during ASC the amount of information that can be processed is limited due to reduced awareness and cognitive functioning. our thoughts are not controlled and may be illogical
Define perceptual distortions
perceptual distortions refer to mistakes that we make internally processing our environment
Is there any perceptual distortions in NWC?
no, in NWC we are accurately able to perceive the world around us. We feel pain and hurt and see that things exist
What is perceptual distortion like in ASC?
in ASC sensations and perceptions can be dulled or they can be sharpened
Two examples of perceptual distortions that may occur in ASC
hallucinations= sensory experience that does not exist delusions= though or belief that is not supported by reality
Are there any forms of cognitive distortion in NWC? explain
no, in NWC an effective memory system is required and our thinking and cognition is local and organised
What forms of cognitive distortions are experienced in ASC?
in ASC memory is often disrupters and everyday tasks can be difficult to perform. memory tends to be less accurate, with people storing less information.
What is our emotional awareness like in NWC?
emotions are usually appropriate to the situation in terms of experience and intensity
What is emotional awareness like I’m ASC?
in ASC emotions can be intensified, blunted or totally inappropriate to the situation
Define self control
self control is characterised by a good sense of management of physical responses
What is self control like in NWC?
in NWC people are able to exhibit fine motor skills and can coordinate very complex movements. people are also able to make decisions and consider the implications
What is self control like in ASC?
it is compromised
What is the perception of time like in NWC?
peoples perception of time are generally accurate
What is perception of time like in ASC?
perception of time is often distorted. time can feel like it either paling more quickly or more slowly than it is
Define psychoactive drugs
are any class of drugs that alters a brains chemistry and subsequently changes a persons perceptions, though and behaviour. They are effective because they cross the blood-brain barrier
What is the blood-brain barrier ?
a mechanism that prevents or slows the passage of potentially harmful molecules in the blood from entering the brain
Define stimulants
s group of drugs that elevate mood, increase alertness and reduce fatigue by exciting neural activity in the brain, which increases bodily functions
Characteristic of stimulants
- increase in blood pressure heart rate blood glucose constricts blood vessels
What are some examples of stimulants?
caffeine, nicotine, amphetamine, cocaine
How do stimulants affect our alertness?
-cause an increase in beta waves and sometimes alpha
-when experiencing greater levels of beta waves we can experience stress and anxiety
alpha=more creative
What are the psychological effects of stimulants?
- elevated mood
- increase alertness
- reduced fatigue
- reduced appetite
- increased energy
Define Depressants
a class of drugs that calm neural activity and slow down bodily functions.
What are some examples of depressants?
- alcohol
- benzodiazepines
- barbiturates
- opioids
- cannabis
What are generally effects of depressants?
- increased fatigue and drowsiness
- lowered heart rate
- reduced anxiety and calming nerves
How do depressants affect our alertness ?
-slow down neural activity and calm the body associated with alpha, theta and delta brainwaves
THETA= consciousness to outside world is shut off
DELTA= decrease in stereo hormone cortisol
Define sleep deprivation
going without sleep r not getting sufficient amounts of sleep to support daytime functioning
Define partial sleep deprivation
occurs when a person is getting some sleep in a 24hr period but less than normally required for daytime functioning
Define total sleep deprivation
getting no sleep at all in a 24hr period
Mechanisms that reduce total amount of sleep required to recover from sleep deprivation
- Microsleep
- Rem rebound
Define microsleep
a short period of sleep where the individual appears to be awake, but brain activity indicates they are sleep
Define REM rebound
the process where by an individual experiences extra amount of REM after being sleep deprives
What are type physical reactions of sleep deprivations?
- trembling hands
- droopy eyelids
- increased pain sensitivity
- headaches
- general discomforts
How does sleep deprivation effect out cognition?
- research has shown that sleep deprivation dampens frontal lobe activity, thereof the capacity of our working memory and attention
- research has found that during LTM tasks people who are sleep deprives show significantly reduced activity within the medial temporal lobe responsible for declarative memories
How does sleep deprivation on consciousness?
- concentration deteriorates after just one full night of sleep deprivation
- simple and routine tasks become more difficult
- concentration levels and performance on complex tasks seem to be less effected
How is the effect of sleep deprivation on consciousness measures?
PTV= psychometric vigilance test, a test used to measure alertness, where participants respond to visual stimuli and their speed and accuracy are measured
What effects does sleep deprivation have on mood ?
research has shown that after one night on sleep deprivation a persons positive mood decreases while negative increase. The increase negative mood also effects ones vulnerability to stress
What is a BAC of 0.05 equal to in terms of sleep deprivation?
17-19hrs of going without sleep
Can a person enter an ASC if they drink alcohol?
yes but only if the drink enough of it
How does alcohol effect cognition? driving
-aspects of a persons cognition that are effected include inability to problem solve, make decisions, impaired logic and reasoning, therefor drivers have trouble judging distance and when to give way
How does alcohol effect concentration? driving
- BAC over 0.05 causes a decline in concentration because a person may not be able to concentrate on multi aspects of driving, therefor having trouble with speed limits and changing traffic lights
How does alcohol effect mood?driving
- under the influence their mood may be exaggerates and intensified. they may be overly emotional, displaying inappropriate emotions or experience a lack of emotion
may effect decision making as thrill seeking emotions may be intensified
What is the restorative theory?
Suggests that sleep is vital for replenishing, revitalising the psychological and physiological resources depleted by our waking day . The theory suggests that REM sleep is essential for the restoration of mental processes and NREM is essential for for restoration of the body
What is 24hr of sleep deprivation equivalent to in BAC?
0.1
Explain the purpose of REM sleep in the restoration theory
REM sleep plays a vital role in memory, particularly in the formation and consolidation of memories. Also essential in neural organisation and growth
Explain the purpose of NREM sleep in the restoration theory
NREM sleep is essential for the restoration of the body processes such as restoring hormone levels depleted by daytime activity and also repairing muscle tissue that may have been damaged as a result of daytime activities. release of growth hormones
Evidence supporting the restoration theory
- marathon runners spend more time in NREM sleep (3+4)
- sleep activates growth hormone and increase in immunity
- cognitive decline occurs with sleep deprivation
Criticisms of the restoration theory
- assumes that we need ,ore sleep when active but those who are bed ridden have similar sleep need as averagely active people
- assume body rests during sleep but the brain is active, but REM sleep causes increase blood flow and energy expenditure
What is the evolutionary theory?
The evolutionary theory of sleep suggests that sleep is an evolutionary response that adapts based on the demands of how much food we need, our energy requirements and our safety when we sleep. It suggests that sleep increases an animals chance of survival and revolves around circadian rhythm of animals
Proof supporting the evolutionary theory
- larger animals require less sleep, therefor more time grazing to sustain energy requirements
- smaller animals require more sleep for safety reasons and lower energy requirements
Criticisms of the evolutionary theory
- doesn’t explain why we need sleep
- small animals could be vulnerable to predators and attacks while asleep therefor more vulnerable
What is the sleeping requirements of an infant?
- 50% REM, 50% NREM
- 16hrs a day drops to 12-13
- need REM sleep=high neural development
- dont have mental capacity for long deep NREM
What is the sleeping requirements of a child?
- 10-11hrs
- REM 20%-25%, NREM 80%-75%
- day naps normal until 3-5
What is the sleeping requirements of adolescents?
- 9hrs
- 20% REM,NREM80%
- may not get required amount due to natural sleep-wake shift
What is the sleeping requirements for adults?
-7-8hrs
=20%REM,80%NREM
What is the sleeping requirements of the elderly?
- 6hrs
- 20%REM
- less time in stage 3+4 NREM
What type of sleep do we experience when we first fall asleep?
NREM
What happens to the different stages of sleep as the night progresses?
NREM becomes short and REM lengthens
How long does stage 1 NREM last?
2-10 min
What physiological effects occur in stage 1 NREM?
- nervous system begins to sloe
- heart rate slows
- breathing becomes irregular
- muscles relax
What is brain waves are seen in NREM stage 1?
it is a light sleep marked by alpha-waves, near the end of this stage theta waves can be sen
Define hypnogogic stage(stage 1 NREM)
a state when alpha waves began to appear on EEG and a person is drifting from wakefulness to sleep
What is an occurrence which may occur in stage 1 NREM?
hypnogogic jerk = a reflex muscle contraction that occurs during stage 1 NREM, body relaxing
How long does stage 2 NREM last?
-aprox 20-30min
What are some physiological response that occur in stage 2 NREM?
-body temp continues to drop, heart rate , respiratory rate and other continue to drop
What brainwaves are prevalent in stage 2 NREM?
Theta waves
What are two characteristics found in stage 2 NREM and explain
- Sleep spindles=type of brainwave characterised by short burst of high frequency brain waves
- k-complexes= a short Burt of high amp brainwaves
- occur b/c brain is attempting to block signals from external stimuli=ss
- k-complexes help suppress arousal
How long does stage 3 NREM last
3-10 min as it is transitional physiological responses steady
What brainwaves occur during stage 3 NREM?
Theta waves continue but delta waves also begin to appear. also Slow seep waves
How long does stage 4 NREM last and when is it experience?
- 20-30 min
- about an hour into first cycle
What brainwave are seen in stage 4 NREM?
-pure delta waves as it is the deepest sleep, therefor if woken will be in a state of confusion
When is REM sleep first experienced?
-aprox 90 min after falling sleep
What is REM sleep referred to and define
paradoxical sleep= where physiologically a lack of muscle tone is experience and body is still and relaxed, but the brain is still active
What brain waves are experienced during REM sleep?
-EEG recordings show during REM sleep there are beta like waves with saw tooth pattern
What physiological responses occur in REM sleep?
- heart rate becomes faster
- breathing is more rapid and irregular
- genitals become aroused
- eyes dart in their pocket
What is associated with the rapid eye movement of REM sleep?
dreaming
Define dreams
a series of images,thoughs and emotions that pass through the mind during sleep
What percentage of dreams are experienced in REM?
80%
What happens if you experience sleep paralysis in REM?
you can act out your dreams, this is known as a REM behaviour disorder
Define biological rhythms
clinical natural rhythms our body follows to perform a variety of functions
Define circadian rhythms
regular automatic physiological changes that occur during a 24hr cycle to regulate body processes
Are circadian rhythms endogenous?
yes because they are largely controlled by internal processes
Can circadian rhythms be influenced by internal stimuli?
yes these are known as zeitgebers
What is the sleep wake cycle controlled by and where is this found?
our sleep wake cycle is controlled by an internal biological clock found in the hypothalamus and is know as the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Define suprachiasmatic nucleus
cluster of neutrons in the hypothalamus situated directly above optic chasm that receives information about the intensity of light which regulates the sleep wake cycle
What does the lack of light stimulation active the SCN to do?
triggers the pineal gland to release melatonin which causes drowsiness, it peaks at 12am
Define ultra radian rhythm and give an example
biological rhythm that follows a cycle less than 24 hrs e.g. blinking
Define sleep disorders
a condition that consistently disrupts the normal Rem-NREM sleep cycle. this disruption must cause the person distress or interfere with their ability to function normally
What is the role of the SCN in the sleep-wake cycle ?
- control bodily functions associated with sleep, body temp,urine production and changes in bp
- SCN has liks to the pineal gland responsible for recreating melatonin
Define circadian phase disorder
a sleep disorder disturbs a persons ability to sleep and wake for the periods of time necessary to maintain good health and well being. it is caused by the sleep wake cycle being out of sync with natural night day cycle
How are circadian phase disorder caused?
Extrinsic factors= such as jet lag or shift work
Intrinsic factors=such as age related shifts
What are symptoms of circadian phase disorder?
- difficulty falling asleep at desired time
- difficulty maintaining sleep and waking frequently
- chronic tiredness
What causes sleep wake shifts in adolescents?
it is a result of puberty that causes a hormonally induced shift of the body clock by 1-2 hrs. this is because melatonin is releases 1-2 hrs later
What does the 1-2 hr delay of melatonin in adolescents result in?
the delayed release of melatonin means that while we get tired later our production of cortisol that wakes up still occurs at dawn therefor adolescent are not getting requires 9 hrs sleep
Define sleep debt
the amount of sleep loss accumulated from an adequate amount of sleep regardless of cause
Define sleep wake cycle shift
changes in how sleep is initiate and maintained as well as the percentage of time spent in each stage of sleep, caused by circadian rhythms
What does a shift in the sleep wake cycle result in?
-sleep phase delay= a shift in the sleep wake pattern towards the evening that causes a delay in sleep onset
Define delay in sleep onset
sleep phase delay then causes people to have difficulty waking at a time required by daily commitments therefor experience effects of sleep deprivation
What effects does the shift in adolescents sleep wake cycle cause?
- chronic slept debt can impact them negatively
- if adolescents of not get enough REM sleep they will have difficulty processing info and consolidating into LTM
- Lack of NREM impedes bodies ability to repair itsel=weak immune
What happens if a teen can not adjust to the shift in their sleep wake cycle?
can develop into a delayed phase disorder= a disorder of sleep timing in which a persons sleep wake cycle is routinely delayed by 2 or more hours
How to cope with the adolescent sleep wake cycle shift ?
- avoid exposure to bright lights 1 hr before bed
- avoid intense study periods before bed
- avoid stimulants after lunch
Define shift work
is payed work which requires employees to work outside normal working day
What does shift work cause a person?
a person must try to function normally when melatonin levels are high and cortisol and adrenalin are low. this can cause shift workers toffee sleepy and make more mistakes on the job
What happened if shift workers cannot override their sleep wake cycle for an extended period of time?
develop shift work disorder= a circadian phase disorder caused by a persons work hrs being scheduled outside normal sleep period
How can you reduce the effects of shift work ?
- try to get regular shifts that are at the same time so circadian rhythm can adjust
- if they must rotate shifts try to get successively earlier shifts easier to adjust to lengthening a day
Define Jet lag
a temporary circadian phase disorder characterised by fatigue and sleep disturbance of bodies normal circadian rhythm following long periods of air travel over multiple time zones
How to reduce the effects of jet lag?
- west is best as it lengthens day
- take melatonin supplements when melatonin should be released
-exposure to light in daytime when new environments is in day
-
What are the effect does sleep deprivation have on affective functioning
- mood swings=more irritable and negative
- reduced motivation
-inability to cope with stress
easily bored
What are the effects sleep deprivation has on behaviour ?
- less glucose is metabolised therefor muscle strength and speed and accuracy of movement is decreased
- reduced ability to perform fine motor taps
- increased clumsiness
What are the effects sleep deprivation has on cognitive functioning?
- memory lapses
- difficulty concentrating
- reduced creativity
- poor decision making
- increased risk taking behaviour
What are the physiological affects of sleep deprivation?
- lack of energy
- dropping eyelids
- trembling hands
- staring
Define dysomnia
group of sleeping disorders characterised by disturbance of normal sleep patterns, including quality, amount and timing of sleep
Define sleep onset insomnia
a form of dysomnia characterised by the inability to fall asleep, frequent night time waking, waking too early or a combination resulting in sleep deprivation
What does a diagnosis of sleep onset insomnia require?
at least 1 month of permitting symptoms
What are some causes of sleep onset insomnia?
psychological factors such as depression, anxiety and excitement possible genetic predisposition
What treatments are available for sleep onset insomnia ?
- prescription medication
- over the counter sleeping pills
- CBT
- regular exercise
Define parasominias?
a group of sleep disorders characterised by abnormal or unusual behaviour or physiological experience during sleep
Define sleep walking Somnambulists
a form of parasomnia characterised by a sleeping person walking and sometimes completing routine tasks or activities (3+4 NREM)
What is the person experiencing in a sleep walking state?
- intact vision and coordination
- eyes open but blank
- can last a few seconds, 30 min or longer
What are the causes of sleep walking?
unknown but fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress and anxiety contribute popular in 5-12yo
What treatments are available for sleepwalking ?
- create safe environment
- recurrent underlying pattern- hypnosis, drugs
Define cognitive behavioural therapy
the application of learning principles to change thought processes and human behaviour especially maladaptive.
Explain the cognitive component of CBT
- focuses on changing the way a person thinks about an issue
- teaches a person to identify and replace any sleep interfering thoughts with more realistic and positive thoughts that promote sound sleep
Explain the behavioural component of CBT
-focuses on identifying any negative maladaptive behaviours that may have developed in response to negative cognitions and develop strategies to modify or remove this bleed
What are some CBT techniques
- stimulus control therapy= targets factors that condition the mind to resist sleep
- relaxation training=calm the mid and body medication
Define Bright light therapy
a treatment for circadian phase disorders hat expose people to intense but safe amounts of artificial light for a specific and regular length to hep synchronise their sleep wake cycle
