Sleep & Psychoactive Drugs [AP Psych]

sleep

a periodic, natural, reversible and near total loss of consciousness; different from hibernation or being in a coma; supports recuperation, growth, and mental function

EEG (electrocenphalograph)

measures brain's electrical activity; brain does not "shut off" during sleep

paradoxical sleep

during sleep, brain is very active while the body is dormant and almost totally paralyzed

N-REM 1

stage of sleep with hypnogogic sensation (feels like falling)

N-REM 2

stage of sleep with sleep spindals (bursts of brainwave activity)

N-REM 3

night terrors, sleep walking (somnambulism) and talking (somniloqy); adults do not need this stage of sleep

REM

rapid eye movement; recurring sleep stage when vivid dreams occur

adrenal glands vs. pineal gland

adrenal release cortisol, "awake" hormone
pineal release melatonin, "sleep" hormone

delta vs. alpha waves

delta = dreaming
alpha = awake

oneirology

study of dreams

sleep deprivation

causes hunger, moodiness, depression, stress, etc.

insomnia

recurring problems in falling or staying asleep

narcolepsy

a sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks

sleep apnea

a sleep disorder that causes sleeper to temporarily stop breathing

circadian rhythm

the body's internal clock which lasts about a day (25 hours)

age & REM

negative correlation, the older you get the less REM sleep you need

memory consolation theory

(also called information processing theory) we sleep to file and sort information, strengthen neural connections, and store memories

evolutionary theory

humans sleep at night because it's historically best for our survival

physiological function

theory suggests that dreaming may promote neural development and preserve neural pathways by providing simulation for the brain

hypothalamus

sleep control center, suprachrasmatic nucleus controls melatonin levels

psychoanalytic theory

(Freud) our dreams have deeper subconscious meaning which conveys wish fulfillment, inner conflict, symbolic expression

activation synthesis theory

messengers firing in the brain activates storylines in our dreams

manifest content vs. latent content

manifest: obvious, superficial plot
latent: deeper, subconscious meaning

hypnosis

subject is in an altered state of contagiousness and not in control of behavior

Hilgard's hypnosis

hidden observer, induction, hypnotizability, post hypnotic suggestion, amnesia

substance use disorder

continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/or physical risk

psychoactive drug

a chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods; acting on your brain, must past blood-brain barrier

tolerance

the diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take larger doses before feeling drug;s effect

neuroadaptation

user's brain chemistry adapts to offset the drug effect

impaired control

uses more substance, or for longer, than intended; tries unsuccessfully to regulate substance use; spends much time gaining, using, or recovering from substance use; craves substance

social impairment

use disrupts obligations at work, school, or home; continues use despite social problems; use causes reduced social, recreational, or work activities

risky use

continues use despite hazards; continues use despite worsening physical/psychological problems

drug action

experiences tolerance; experiences withdrawal when trying to quit

addiction

compulsive craving of drugs or certain behaviors (such as gambling) despite known adverse consequences

withdrawal

the discomfort and distress that follows discontinuing and addictive drug or behavior

depressants

drugs (such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates) that reduce neural activity and slow body functions

disinhibitor

slows brain activity that controls judgement and inhibitions

alcohol use disorder

(alcoholism) alcohol use marked by tolerance, withdrawal, and a drive to continue problematic use; the urges you would feel if sober are the ones you will more likely act upon when intoxicated; hangovers; slowed neural processing, memory disruption, reduced self-awareness and control, expectancy effects

barbituates

drugs that depress central nervous system activity, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgement; tranquilizers

opiates

opium and its derivatives, such as morphine and heroin; they depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety; when repeatedly flooded with artificial opiate, brain stops producing endorphins, its own opiates (agonists)

narcotics are opiates too, prescribed for pain relief

stimulant

drugs (such as caffeine, nicotine, etc) that excite neural activity and speed up body functions; increase arousal, decrease appetite

caffeine is the most abused

amphetamines

drugs that stimulate neural activity, causing sped-up body functions and associated energy/mood changes; work on dopamine and norepinephrine (casing happy mood and more energy)

nicotine

a stimulating and highly addictive psychoactive drug found in tobacco

ecstasy (MDMA)

a synthetic stimulant and mild hallucinogen which produces euphoria and social intimacy, but with short-term health risks and longer-term harm to serotonin-producing neurons to mood and cognition

cocaine

a powerful and addictive stimulant derived from the coca plant, producing temporarily increased alertness and euphoria; can cause permanent damage to endorphins/dopamine levels

meth

a powerfully addictive drug that stimulates the central nervous system, with speeded up body functions and associated energy/mood changes' over time, reduces baseline dopamine levels

hallucinogens

psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, that distorts perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input

psychedelics: "mind-manifesting"

LSD

a powerfully hallucinogenic drug also known as acid; disrupts serotonin, agonist

near-death experience

an altered state of consciousness reported after a close brush with death, often similar to drug-induced hallucinations

THC

the major active ingredient in weed, triggers a variety of effects, including mild hallucinations