APP Altered States of Consciousness

Consciousness

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment.

Circadian Rhythm

The biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24 hour cycle.

REM Sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep; a reoccurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur. Also known as paradoxical sleep, because the muscles are relaxed (except for minor twitches) but other body systems are active.

NREM3

deep sleep, release of Growth hormone occurs, sleepwalking

Alpha Waves

The relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state.

Sleep

Periodic, natural loss of consciousness- as distinct from unconsciousness resulting from a coma, general anesthesia, or hibernation.

Hallucinations

False sensory experiences, such as seeing something in the absence of an external visual stimulus.

Delta Waves

The large, slow brain waves associated with deep sleep.

NREM Sleep

Non-rapid eye movement sleep; encompasses all sleep stages except REM sleep.

Insomnia

Recurring problems in falling or staying asleep, psychologically related.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks. The sufferer may lapse directly into REM sleep, often at inopportune times.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings, physically related.

REM Rebound

The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation (created by repeated awakenings during REM sleep).

Psychoactive Drug

A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods.

Tolerance

The diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug's effect.

Withdrawal

The discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug.

Physical Dependence

A physiological need for a drug, marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.

Psychological Dependence

A psychological need to use a drug, such as to relieve negative emotions.

Addiction

Compulsive drug craving and use, despite adverse consequences.

Depressants

Drugs (such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates) that reduce neural activity and slow body functions.

Opiates

Opium and its derivatives, such as morphine and heroin; they depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety.

Stimulants

Drugs (such as caffeine, nicotine, and the more powerful amphetamines, cocaine, and Ecstasy) that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.

Hallucinogens

Psychedelic ("mind manifesting") drugs, such as LSD, that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input.

Alcohol

a psychoactive drug that is considered a depressant. Inhibits impulse control and decision making, slows responses, and impairs cognition.

LSD

A powerful hallucinogenic drug; also known as acid.

THC

The major active ingredient in marijuana; triggers a variety of effects, including mild hallucinations.

Activation Synthesis Theory

dream theory that states a person's dream is random neural firing.

theta waves

brain waves indicating the early stages of sleep

Information Processing Theory

dream theory that states a person's dream is a replay of what happened that day and what will happen.

beta waves

awake and alert

NREM2

sleep spindles

NREM1

light sleep, lasts a few minutes, slowing heart rate, alpha waves, hypnagogic hallucinations

sleep cycle

a period of sleep lasting about 90 minutes and including one or more stages of NREM sleep, followed by REM sleep

paradoxical sleep

The type of sleep encountered during REM when internally, the brain and body are active; while externally, the body appears calm and inactive

altered state of consciousness

state in which there is a shift in the quality or pattern of mental activity as compared to waking consciousness

limbic system

neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives - reward system activated during addiction