Chapter 4: States of Consciousness

What is consciousness defined as?

A person's awareness of external events and internal sensations under a condition of arousal.

What are the two main components of consciousness?

Awareness and arousal.

What does awareness in the context of consciousness refer to?

Awareness of self and thoughts about one's experiences.

What does arousal in the context of consciousness refer to?

Being engaged with the environment.

Which brain regions are associated with awareness?

The prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate.

Which brain system regulates arousal?

The reticular activating system.

What is the concept of Theory of Mind?

Awareness of our own thoughts as well as awareness that others have thoughts.

What characterizes higher-level consciousness?

Controlled processes, being in the most alert states, actively focusing efforts towards goals, and selective attention.

What are executive functions, associated with higher-level consciousness?

Higher-order complex cognitive processes such as thinking, planning, and problem-solving.

Which brain region is primarily involved in higher-level consciousness?

The pre-frontal cortex.

Are higher-level consciousness processes slower or faster than automatic processes?

Slower, as thinking and attention take time.

What type of attention do lower-level consciousness processes require?

Lower levels of attention.

What are automatic processes in consciousness?

States of consciousness requiring little attention that do not interfere with other activities.

What state of consciousness is described as being between active consciousness and dreaming?

Daydreaming.

How are altered states of consciousness characterized?

Noticeably different from normal awareness, often triggered by illness or drugs.

What is an example of waking subconscious awareness leading to an 'aha' moment?

Taking a break from a problem, and the brain subconsciously working on it, resulting in a sudden solution later.

How does the brain maintain subconscious awareness during sleep?

It maintains subconscious awareness, especially for important or emotionally significant sounds.

What are two conditions where a person experiences no awareness?

Being knocked out or anesthetized.

What are biological rhythms?

Periodic physiological fluctuations in the body.

What are circadian rhythms?

Daily behavioral and psychological rhythms, including the sleep/wake cycle, body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

What factors can desynchronize the biological clock?

Battling jet lag, insomnia, and shift work.

What can help reset the biological clock and promote alertness?

Bright lights, and possibly melatonin.

According to the evolutionary perspective, why do we need sleep?

To protect ourselves at night.

What theory suggests that sleep helps the body and mind recover?

Sleep is restorative.

How does sleep contribute to brain plasticity?

It enhances synaptic connections and helps consolidate memories.

How many hours of sleep are generally recommended for adults?

7 to 9 hours.

What are some effects of chronic sleep deprivation?

Trouble paying attention, difficulty solving problems, and a weakened immune system response.

What type of brain waves are present when a person is awake and thinking?

Beta waves.

What type of brain waves are present when a person is awake and relaxed?

Alpha waves.

What characterizes Stage N1 sleep?

It is the initial phase of sleep, marked by drowsiness and 'dead nods,' and theta waves.

What occurs during Stage N2 sleep?

Muscle activity decreases, the person is no longer consciously aware of the environment, and theta waves with sleep spindles are present.

Which stage of sleep is considered the deepest?

Stage N3 (Non-REM3) sleep.

What type of brain waves characterize Stage N3 sleep?

Delta waves.

What are the key characteristics of Stage R (REM) sleep?

It is an active stage with rapid eye movements, vivid dreaming, and activity in the hippocampus to aid memory.

How long does one full sleep cycle typically last?

90 to 100 minutes.

In which half of the night is deep sleep (Stage N3) more prevalent?

The first half of the night.

In which half of the night is REM sleep more prevalent?

The second half of the night.

What health issues are associated with sleeplessness?

Obesity, diabetes, psychological disorders, and heart disease.

What is insomnia?

The inability to sleep, more common in women and older adults.

To improve sleep, what should your bed be used only for?

Sleeping.

During which stages of sleep do sleepwalking and sleep talking occur?

The deepest stages of sleep.

What sleep disorder involves a sudden, overpowering urge to sleep and immediately entering REM sleep?

Narcolepsy.

What sleep disorder is characterized by brief stops in breathing during sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness?

Sleep Apnea.

How do psychoactive drugs generally work to affect the brain?

By increasing dopamine levels in the brain's reward pathways.

What is tolerance in the context of drug use?

The need for increasing amounts of a drug to get the same effect.

What is the general effect of depressants on mental and physical activity?

They slow mental and physical activity.

Why are opioids considered highly dangerous, besides being addictive?

They can slow breathing to the point of death.

What is the world's most widely used psychoactive drug?

Caffeine.

What is the primary effect of hallucinogens on a person's experience?

They modify perceptual experiences and produce visual images that are not real.

What is a benefit of mindfulness meditation reported in an 8-week training program?

Reduced anxiety and fewer negative emotions.