Consciousness

Conscious

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment.

Nonconscious

Includes biological processes occurring without conscious awareness, e.g. heart rate, breathing.

Preconscious

Information not currently aware of but can be easily recalled when needed.

Subconscious

Hidden thoughts or feelings influencing behavior even when not consciously aware.

Unconscious

The hidden level of mind containing repressed memories, feelings, or desires.

Circadian rhythm

A 24-hour cycle of bodily changes and daily patterns.

Hypnagogic Sensation

Sensory experiences like falling or muscle jerks occurring as one drifts to sleep.

NREM 1 Sleep

Light sleep characterized by small, irregular beta waves transitioning into alpha waves.

NREM 2 Sleep

Sleep stage with sleep spindles and K complexes indicating relaxation of skeletal muscles.

NREM 3 Sleep

Deep sleep with delta waves, vital for restoration and immune system health.

REM Sleep

Stage of sleep where eyes move vigorously; associated with dreaming and brain activity.

Beta Waves

Waves produced when we are awake and alert.

Alpha Waves

Brain waves present when awake but relaxed.

Sleep Spindles

Brief bursts of rapid electrical activity during Stage 2 sleep.

Delta Waves

Longer, slower waves indicative of NREM 3 sleep.

Paradoxical Sleep

REM sleep characterized by active brain waves while the body is paralyzed.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

Disorder where individuals act out dreams as sleep paralysis is absent.

Sleep Apnea

Condition where breathing stops during sleep, causing partial awakening.

Narcolepsy

Involuntary and uncontrollable sleep entering REM sleep suddenly.

Insomnia

Trouble falling or staying asleep, often due to stress.

Somnambulism

Sleepwalking, performing activities while in NREM sleep.

REM Rebound

Longer REM periods after being deprived of REM sleep.

Dream Theory Activation Synthesis

Theory that dreams result from random neural activity during sleep.

Dream Theory Consolidation

Theory that dreams integrate new information into memory and help cope with emotions.

Psychoactive drugs

Substances impacting behavior, perceptions, and mental processes, categorized by their effects.

Agonist

Drugs similar to neurotransmitters that bind to their receptor sites.

Antagonist

Drugs that block neurotransmitter reuptake or receptor sites.

Addiction

Continuing substance use despite adverse effects.

Tolerance

Need for increased amounts of a drug to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

Symptoms arising from discontinuing drug use, varying per substance.