Chapter 5: State of Consciousness

What is consciousness?

Your awareness of and alertness to external events and internal sensations.

Who introduced the concept of 'stream of consciousness'?

William James.

What are the two main levels of consciousness?

Higher level consciousness and lower level consciousness.

What is higher level consciousness characterized by?

Controlled processing that requires selective attention and involves the prefrontal cortex.

What functions are associated with executive function?

Planning and problem solving.

What are automatic processes in lower level consciousness?

Processes that require little attention and do not interfere with other ongoing activities.

What is daydreaming considered in terms of consciousness?

A state between active consciousness and dreaming while asleep.

What are altered states of consciousness?

States induced by psychoactive drugs, fatigue, illness, trauma, deprivation, meditation, hypnosis, and mental disorders.

What is the unconscious according to Freud?

A reservoir of unacceptable desires, feelings, and thoughts kept in check by the conscious mind.

What are biological rhythms?

Periodic fluctuations in the body, including hormones, brain activity, and temperature changes.

What is the circadian rhythm?

A roughly 24-hour cycle of consciousness managed by the endocrine system.

What hormone is known as the 'stress' hormone?

Cortisol.

What hormone is known as the 'sleepy' hormone?

Melatonin.

What can cause disruptions in the circadian rhythm?

Jet lag and shift-work problems.

What are some reasons why we sleep?

Safety, energy conservation, restorative function, brain plasticity, and memory consolidation.

What are the consequences of chronic sleep deprivation?

Decreased activity in the thalamus and prefrontal cortex, leading to poor attention and decision-making.

What does EEG measure?

Electrical activity in the brain to identify stages of wakefulness and sleep.

What role does the reticular formation play in sleep?

It is critical for sleep and arousal and is responsible for REM atonia.

What are common sleep problems?

Insomnia, sleepwalking, talking, eating, nightmares, night terrors, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea.

What does Freud suggest about the purpose of dreams?

Dreams symbolize unconscious wishes and desires.

What is manifest content in dreams?

The literal content of the dream.

What is latent content in dreams?

The subconscious meaning behind the dream.

What is the cognitive approach to dreaming?

Processing information and consolidating memory.

What is the activation-synthesis theory?

The brain's attempt to make sense of random brain activity during sleep.

What is the relationship between loneliness and sleep?

There is a correlation between loneliness and disturbed sleep.

What are the effects of psychoactive drugs on consciousness?

They can alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.

What is the impact of sleep on brain plasticity?

Sleep enhances synaptic connections and aids in memory consolidation.