States of Mind (Sleep & Happiness Molecules) Flashcards
consciousness
our awareness of ourselves and our environment
gamma
continuous in nearly all brain states; denote heightened cognitive processing related to perception, learning, and problem solving (32-100 Hz)
beta
awake, alert consciousness, thinking analytically (13-32 Hz)
adrenal glands
a pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that help arouse the body in times of stress
anandamide
the bliss molecule, also known as an endocannabinoid, increases naturally with prolonged aerobic exercise and increased Omega 3 in diet; neurotransmitter
dopamine
the reward molecule; increases naturally by setting goals and achieving them; neurotransmitter
alpha
associated with physical and mental relaxation and with light/N1 and REM sleep
theta
associated with creativity, insight, deep states, deep meditation, reduced consciousness, and N2 sleep; can be enhanced by repetitive activities like running
delta
deep sleep; loss of bodily awareness; repair
electroencephalograph
EEG, measures the brain’s electrical activity
sleep hypnograph
graph that represents the stages of sleep as a function of time
sleep cycle
typically 90 minutes long; 4-5 cycles per night; identified by brain-wave patterns and behavioral changes
circadian rhythm
the biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle
REM
paradoxical sleep because it is associated with alpha waves typical of wakefulness; vivid dreams; motor cortex is very active but the brain stem is blocking messages so you aren’t moving
Non-REM 1
light sleep; characterized by alpha and theta waves
Non-REM 2
characterized by theta waves; includes sleep spindles and k-complexes which indicate brief bursts of activity
Non-REM 3
characterized by slow-rolling delta waves; deep sleep; brain is unresponsive to external stimuli, more difficult to awaken individual
neurotransmitter
chemical messenger released from an axon terminal of a neuron in response to an action potential; it crosses the gap to the receptors on dendrites of adjacent neurons (axon gives and dendrite receives!)
endocrine system
set of glands that secrete hormones that regulate processes such as growth, reproduction, and nutrient use (metabolism) by body cells
pituitary gland
the endocrine system’s most influential gland. under the influence of the hypothalamus, it regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands
hypothalamus
a neural structure lying below the thalamus; directs eating, drinking, body temperature; helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion; produces oxytocin
hormone
chemical messengers released directly into the blood by the endocrine system; in particular, neurochemicals are released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
oxytocin and vasopressin
the bonding molecules; hormones that increase bonding with others; increases naturally with hugs or petting animals
endorphin
the pain-killing molecule, hormone AND neurotransmitter;
produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus; increase naturally through strenuous exercise, eating chocolate, smiling and laughing, meditating, singing, and listening to music
