Chapter 5: States of Consciousness (Myers Psychology for AP)

consciousness

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment.

circadian rhythm

the biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle, for example melatonin is released when it is time to sleep.

REM sleep

the sleep stage in which the brain and eyes are active, the muscles are relaxed and vivid dreaming occurs. Also known as paradoxical sleep.

alpha waves

The relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state.

delta waves

The large, slow brain waves associated with deep sleep.

NREM sleep

the stage of sleep associated with muscular relaxation. It encompasses all stages of sleep, 1-3, except REM sleep

insomnia

a person regularly has difficulty in falling or staying asleep

narcolepsy

A sleep disorder in which the victim suffers sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks. often characterized by entry directly into REM sleep

sleep apnea

A sleep disorder in which the person ceases breathing while asleep, and repeats this cycle throughout the night

night terrors

a person experiences episodes of high arousal with apparent terror. Usually occur during stage four

dreams

sequences of images, emotions, and thoughts the most vivid of which occur during REM sleep

manifest content

According to Freud, the story line of a dream

latent content

According to Freud, the underlying meaning of a dream

REM rebound

The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation

dissociation

A split between different levels of consciousness, allowing a person to divide attention between two or more thoughts or behaviors

psychoactive drug

A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods. They work by affecting or mimicking the activity of neurotransmitters

tolerance

The diminishing of a psycoactive drug's effect that occurs with repeated use, requiring progressively larger doses to produce the same effect

withdrawal

The discomfort and distress that follow discontinued use of an addictive drugs

physical dependence

A physiological need for a drug that is indicated by the presence of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken

psychological dependence

a psychological need to use a drug, such as to relieve negative emotions

addiction

Compulsive craving for a drug despite adverse consequences and withdrawal symptoms

depressants

psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, heroin, benzodiazepines, opiates, and barbiturates, that reduce neural activity and slow body functions

barbiturates

depressants, sometimes used to induce sleep or reduce anxiety

opiates

depressants derived from the opium poppy such as opium, morphine, and heroin; they reduce neural activity and temporarily lessen pain and anxiety

stimulants

psychoactive drugs such as caffeine, methamphetamine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.

amphetamines

a type of stimulant and as such, speed up body functions and neural activity

methamphetamine

A powerfully addictive stimulant that speeds up body functions and is associated with energy and mood changes

Ecstasy (MDMA)

a hallucinogen and mild stimulant. produces short-term euphoria by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Repeated use may permanently damage serotonin neurons, suppress immunity, and impair memory and other cognitive functions

hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, ecstasy, and marijuana, that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input.

LSD

A powerful hallucinogenic capable of producing vivid false perceptions and disorganization of thought processes. it produces its unpredictable effects partially because it blocks the action of a subtype of the neurotransmitter serotonin

near-death experience

An altered state of consciousness that has been reported by some people who have had a close brush with death

THC

The major active ingredient in marijuana; classified as a mild hallucinogen

suprachiasmatic nucleus

a pair of cell clusters in the hypothalamus that responds to light-sensitive retinal proteins; causes pineal gland to increase or decrease production of melatonin, thus modifying our feelings of sleepiness

Melatonin

A hormone manufactured by the pineal gland that produces sleepiness.

beta waves

brain waves that indicate you are awake and alert

theta waves

brain waves indicating the early stages of sleep

sleep spindles

short bursts of brain waves detected in stage 2 sleep

paradoxical sleep

The type of sleep encountered during REM when internally, the brain and body are active; while externally, the body appears calm and inactive

REM motor behavior disorder

a sleep disorder in which you physically act out dreams

Alcohol

Depressant, produces relaxation, dis-inhibition, memory loss because of the prevention of REM sleep, organ damage, impacted reaction, reduced self-awareness and self-control.

Heroin

a depressant (an opiate) binds to opiate receptors

Benzodiazepines

a depressant, drugs that lower anxiety and reduce stress

Caffeine

most common psychoactive drug. A stimulant. Lasts 3-4 hours, increased alertness, wakefulness, anxiety, insomnia, and uncomfortable withdrawal.

Cocaine

a powerful and addictive stimulant, euphoria, confidence, energy, cardiovascular, stress, suspiciousness, aggression, confusions, depression,, 15-30 minute high

Nicotine

a stimulant. Causes arousal, relaxation, sense of well-being, heart disease, and cancer.

Marijuana

a hallucinogen, contains THC, causes enhances sensation, relief of pain, distortion of time, relaxation, disinhibition, impaired learning and memory, increased risk of psychological disorders,. lung damage, impaired motor coordination, emotions amplified, impacted reaction time.