Ap Psychology quiz #3

Consciousness

an individual's awareness of their own thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings

REM sleep

is a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity similar to wakefulness, vivid dreaming, and temporary muscle paralysis, playing a crucial role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation.

Narcolepsy

chronic neurological disorder that disrupts the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles, resulting mainly in excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day.

somnambulism

a sleep disorder characterized by engaging in complex behaviors while still asleep(also known as sleep walking)

Tolerance

is the body's reduced responsiveness to a medication over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

Stimulants

class of psychoactive drugs that increase activity in the brain and central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness, energy, and mood.

Hallucinogens

a group of drugs that alter a person's perception, thoughts, and feelings, often causing them to see, hear, or feel things that are not really there.

antagonists

a substance or drug that blocks or reduces the effects of another substance, typically a neurotransmitter

heroin

a highly addictive opioid drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant, producing intense feelings of euphoria and pain relief but quickly leading to psychological and physical dependence, cravings, and significant negative effects on mental and physical health.

sleep apnea

a disorder characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep.

Circadian Rhythm

the body's natural 24-hour cycle that regulates various physiological and behavioral processes, such as sleep-wakefulness, body temperature, hormone release, and alertness

Insomnia

characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good quality, even when there is an opportunity.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

a sleep disorder characterized by the physical acting out of dreams during REM sleep, the dream stage when eyes move rapidly under closed eyelids

Hypnagogic sensation

vivid sensory experience—such as seeing images, hearing sounds, or feeling movement—that occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep

Activation Synthesis Theory

the idea that dreams result from the brain’s attempt to make sense of random neural activity occurring during REM sleep, by weaving these signals into coherent stories or images without necessarily meaning or symbolism.

Depressants

psychoactive drugs that slow down the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), reducing arousal and stimulation.

agonist

a chemical substance or drug that binds to specific receptors in the brain and activates them, mimicking the action of natural neurotransmitters to produce a biological or psychological response. For example, dopamine agonists bind to dopamine receptors and stimulate them, influencing mood, behavior, and physiological functions.

cocaine

a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug that rapidly increases alertness, energy, and euphoria by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, but can also lead to serious psychological problems such as mood disturbances, paranoia, and dependency.

addiction

a complex, chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use despite significant adverse consequences.

withdrawal

a set of physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person who is dependent on a substance (such as drugs, alcohol, or nicotine) abruptly stops or significantly reduces their intake