States of Consciousness

Consciousness

Awareness of ourselves (self, sensation, thoughts) and our environment.

Altered State of Consciousness

Temporary state that occurs during sleep and dreaming, may be the result of psychoactive drugs or hypnosis.

Selective Attention

Focus on certain stimuli while ignoring others, which can lead to inattentional blindness.

Circadian Rhythms

Internal 24-hour biological clock that regulates changes in alertness, body temperature, moods, etc.

Melatonin

Hormone released at different times in adults (10pm) and teenagers (1am) regulating sleep.

Sleep Deprivation Effects

Includes reduced cognitive functioning, irritability, increased cortisol levels, and greater risk for illness.

REM Sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep associated with vivid dreaming.

Insomnia

Persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking up too early.

Narcolepsy

Condition characterized by falling asleep randomly during unusual circumstances.

Sleep Apnea

Condition that involves repeated interruption of breathing during sleep.

Wish Fulfillment

Theory that unacceptable desires repressed in waking life can emerge in dreams.

Manifest Content

The storyline or surface content of a dream.

Latent Content

The underlying meaning or significance of a dream.

Mindfulness

Paying attention in a particular way (on purpose, in the present, and non-judgmentally).

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter perception, mood, or consciousness.

Implicit Attitudes

Non-conscious biases or attitudes that kick in during automatic behavior processing.

Levels of Awareness

Different degrees of consciousness ranging from full alertness to deep unconsciousness.

Stages of Sleep

Includes NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stages: N1, N2, N3 and REM sleep.

NREM Sleep Stage 1 (N1)

Light sleep where you can be easily awakened; transition between wakefulness and sleep.

NREM Sleep Stage 2 (N2)

Moderate sleep where heart rate slows and body temperature decreases; accounts for most of the sleep cycle.

NREM Sleep Stage 3 (N3)

Deep sleep, important for physical recovery and growth, where heavy breathing and decreased brain activity occur.

Sleep Patterns

The cyclical nature of sleep stages throughout the night, usually repeating approximately every 90 minutes.

Sleep Cycle

The progression through the various stages of sleep, typically lasting about 90 minutes, resulting in multiple cycles per night.

Sleep Patterns in Infants

Infants typically sleep around 14 hours a day with about 40% of that time in REM sleep.

Sleep Patterns in Adults

Adults generally require about 7.5 hours of sleep, with around 20% in REM sleep.

Sleep Patterns in Old Age

Older adults often sleep about 6 hours a day, with only 14% in REM sleep.

Adaptation/Protection Theory of Sleep

This theory suggests sleep conserves energy and provides protection from predators.

Repair/Restoration Theory of Sleep

This theory suggests that sleep is necessary to recuperate from daily activities.

Growth/Development Theory of Sleep

This theory argues that there is a need for more sleep during stages of brain growth.

Learning/Memory Theory of Sleep

This theory indicates that sleep is more abundant during peak learning stages.