BIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR (STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS EDITION)

Consciousness

The state of being aware of and able to perceive one’s thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings. Involves various levels from alert wakefulness to altered states such as sleep or meditation

Circadian Rhythm

The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. It influences patterns of alertness, hormone release, body temperature, and other physiological processes.

Jet Lag

A temporary disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm due to rapid travel across multiple time zones. Can result in fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating as the body adjusts to the new time zone

Shift Work

Employment schedules that require working outside of typical daytime hours, often disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and increased risk of health problems due to the mismatch between work hours and the body’s internal clock.

NREM Stage 1

Characterized by drifting in and out of sleep, lasting only a few minutes.

• Hypnic Jerks (falling feeling)

• Characterized by theta waves

NREM Stage 2

Characterized by light sleep lasting about 20 minutes. Brain waves further slow down, and sleep spindles (short bursts of brain activity) and K-complexes (sudden, short waveforms) appear

NREM Stage 3

Deepest sleep, characterized by presence of predominantly delta waves. It is more difficult to wake up in this stage.

REM Sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and muscle paralysis. Increased brain activity, plays important role in memory and emotional processing

REM Rebound

The phenomenon when the body increases the time spent in REM sleep after a period of REM deprivation

Activation-Synthesis (Dreams)

Theory proposing that dreams are the result of random neural activity in the brainstem during REM sleep, which is then interpreted and synthesized by the cerebral cortex into a narrative or story

Consolidation Theory (Dreams)

Theory suggesting that dreams play a role in the memory consolidation and processing of memories. During sleep, the brain organizes and integrates information acquired throughout the day

Insomnia

Sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative impairment such as fatigue, mood disturbances, and decreased cognitive function

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations during sleep onset or awakening

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, leading to disturbed sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and other health problems

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

A sleep disorder where individuals physically act out their dreams during REM sleep, potentially causing injury to themselves or others due to loss of muscle paralysis

Somnambulism

(Sleepwalking). Characterized by walking or performing other activities while still asleep. Typically occurs during non-REM sleep stages and can result in injuries or accidents.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter brain function, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. They act on the CNS, and can be categorized into stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opioids.

Agonists

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors and mimic their effects, enhancing neural activity

Antagonists

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors without activating them, blocking the effects of neurotransmitters

Reuptake Inhibitors

Medications that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron, thereby increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft and enhancing neurotransmitters.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase neural activity and arousal leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy levels

Caffeine

A natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and some sodas. Acts on the CNS, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine

Cocaine

Powerful stimulant derived from the cocoa plant. Increases neural activity, leading to euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. Blocks the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine

Depressants

Drugs that slow down neural activity and bodily functions. Induce relaxation, sedation, and can lower inhibitions.

Alcohol

Depressant drug that slows down neural activity in the CNS. Can impair judgement, coordination, and cognitive functions, leading to relaxation, euphoria, and in higher doses, intoxication.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often causing hallucinations or profound changes in consciousness. Can be all 5 senses

Marijuana

Psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. Contains THC, which alters mood, perception, and cognition. Effects include relaxation, altered perception of time, and heightened sensory experiences

Opioids

Psychoactive drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain and body, producing pain relief, euphoria, and sedation.

Heroin

Highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine. Produces intense euphoria, pain relief, and sedation by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.

Tolerance

A condition where increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same effects. Occurs due to the brain’s adaption to the drug, leading to reduced sensitivity to its effects over time.

Withdrawal

The onset of symptoms when a person stops using a psychoactive substance after prolonged use. Symptoms can include physical discomfort, psychological distress, and cravings for the drug

Addiction

A chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Involves changes in brain structure and function, leading to a loss of control over drug consumption