Dual Processing
The principle that information is often processed simultaneously on separate conscious and unconscious tracks
Blindsight
Condition which a person can respond to visual stimulus without consciously experiencing it
Parallel processing
Processing multiple aspects of a stimulus or problem simultaneously
Sequential processing
Processing one aspect of a stimulus or problem at a time. Used to solve difficult problems
Circadian rhythm
your body’s internal clock
Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
the central pacemaker of the circadian timing system and regulates most circadian rhythms in the body,, located in the hypothalamus
Beta waves
alert,, high frequency low amplitude,, dyssynchronous
Alpha waves
increase in amplitude, synchronous
Stage 1 of sleep
Theta waves, slower frequency, greater amplitude, hypnagogic sensations
Stage 2 of sleep
Theta waves, sudden increase in wave frequency, sleep spindles
Stage 3 of sleep
< 50% delta waves, slowest frequency and highest amplitude
Stage 4 of sleep
> 50% delta waves, difficult to wake up sleepers
Hypnagogic sensations
vivid, involuntary, and often fleeting experiences that occur during the transition from wakefulness to sleep
Delta waves
type of brain wave that are associated with deep sleep and are characterized by their high amplitude and low frequency
Rapid-eye movement sleep (REM)
Rapid eye movement, dreaming
Non-REM sleep (stages 1-4)
Lack of rapid eye movement, little dreaming
Information processing/memory consolidation dream theory
Helps us sort out day’s events and organize memories
Activation-synthesis dream theory
Brain makes “sense” out of random brain activity
REM rebound
a natural response to sleep deprivation, stress, or drug withdrawal that causes a person to experience more REM sleep than normal
Sleep function
strengthen and integrate memories into the brain's knowledge networks
Sleep disruption effects
increase risk of mental health disorders, health problems, affect the ability to think and concentrate, weaken immune system, harder to make decisions
Sleep disorders
insomnia, sleep walking/talking/eating, nightmares, narcolepsy, sleep apnea
Insomnia
Trouble getting to sleep, trouble staying asleep, trouble returning to sleep after awakening. Higher levels of autonomic nervous system activity: higher anxiety levels, more tension in the forehead
Narcolepsy
suddenly falling asleep, can last up to 15 minutes
Sleep apnea
Stop breathing as many times as 500 times a night, anatomical deformity
Risks: hypertension, high blood pressure
Associated with obesity, especially among men
Somnambulism/sleepwalking
Repeated episodes of complex motor behavior, more common among children than adults, persistent sleepwalking is an indication of a sleep disorder, occurs in deep sleep
REM sleep disorder
when people act out their dreams while sleeping