States of Consciousness Cog 7

These flashcards cover key concepts related to states of consciousness, sleep, and the effects of drugs, as discussed in the lecture.

Sleep

A naturally recurring state of altered consciousness characterized by reduced sensory activity, total paralysis or suppression of voluntary muscle activity, and distinct phases that serve various restorative and cognitive functions.

Circadian Rhythm

An internal clock that regulates when we wake up and go to sleep, influenced by external time cues like light and temperature.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movements, loss of muscle tone, and vivid dreams, essential for problem solving and emotional regulation.

Sleep Deprivation

A condition resulting from insufficient sleep, leading to impaired problem solving, emotional dysregulation, and severe health risks.

Sleep Disorders

A group of conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting the quality, timing, and duration of sleep.

Stimulants

Substances that speed up brain processes and produce heightened alertness and energy, such as caffeine and cocaine.

Depressants

Substances that slow down brain and body processes, producing relaxation and dulling sensory experience, e.g., alcohol and Xanax.

Hallucinogens

Substances that produce changes in perception, such as LSD and psilocybin, which can lead to hallucinations and altered experiences.

States of Consciousness

Any condition of awareness that is significantly different from a person's normal waking consciousness, such as sleep, drugs, and meditation.

Altered States of Consciousness

Conditions produced by sleep, drugs, meditation, and hypnosis that produce new perspectives for enhanced creative problem solving and self-awareness.