Ch. 7 Altered States of Consciousness

Sleep

A state of altered consciousness, characterized by patterns of brain activity and inactivity

Consciousness

A state of awareness, including a person's feelings, sensations, ideas, and perceptions

REM sleep

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, a high level of brain activity, deep muscle relaxation, and dreaming

Circadian rhythm

The rhythm of activity and inactivity lasting approximately one day

Insomnia

A prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep

Sleep apnea

A sleep disorder in which a person has trouble breathing while asleep

Narcolepsy

A condition characterized by suddenly falling asleep or feeling very sleepy during the day

Nightmares

Unpleasant dreams

Night terrors

Sleep disruptions that involve screaming, panic, or confusion

Sleepwalking

Walking or carrying out behaviors while asleep

Sleep talking

Talking or mumbling while asleep, which is not remembered upon waking

Sleep paralysis

A disorder in which a person is unable to move or speak outside of REM sleep

Manifest content

The storyline, images, and other perceptual aspects of dreams

Latent content

The hidden meaning of dreams that comes from the dreamer's unconscious wishes

Hypnosis

A state of consciousness resulting from a narrowed focus of attention and characterized by heightened suggestibility

Posthypnotic suggestion

A suggestion made during hypnosis that influences the participant's behavior afterward

Biofeedback

The process of learning to control bodily states with the help of machines monitoring the states to be controlled

Meditation

The focusing of attention to clear one's mind and produce relaxation