Psych: Consciousness

What does the neurocognition theory suggest about dreams?

That there is continuity between waking and dreaming cognition, reflecting our interests, personalities, and individual worries.

What is circadian rhythm?

Circadian rhythm refers to biological processes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle in the absence of external cues, regulating changes such as body temperature, cortisol secretion, and sleep-wake patterns.

What is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?

The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a cluster of neurons located in the hypothalamus that serves as the central pacemaker for circadian rhythms, helping to synchronize the body's internal clock with external environmental cues.

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps induce sleepiness and regulate sleep-wake cycles, typically increasing in the evening and decreasing during daylight.

What does an electroencephalogram (EEG) measure?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp, providing insights into various psychological states and levels of consciousness.

What are the EEG waves associated with wakefulness?

During wakefulness, the EEG shows large, regular alpha waves when a person is awake but non-attentive, and low amplitude, fast, irregular beta waves when a person is awake and attentive.

What characterizes the stages of sleep 2 through 4?

Stages 2 through 4 of sleep, known as slow-wave sleep, are characterized by deeper levels of sleep and an increased presence of slow, irregular, high-amplitude delta waves.

What happens during REM sleep?

REM sleep is characterized by brain activity resembling that of waking states, relaxation of muscles, rapid eye movements, vivid dreaming, and is crucial for memory consolidation.

What is the restoration theory of sleep?

The restoration theory posits that sleep is required to repair and rejuvenate the body, which becomes worn out from activities during the day.

What is the adaptive theory of sleep?

The adaptive theory suggests that sleep evolved as a survival mechanism to conserve energy and protect individuals during times when activity would be less advantageous.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder manifesting as an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to daytime fatigue and reduced performance.

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to fall asleep, which can occur unexpectedly during awake activities, such as talking or standing.

What are true dreams?

True dreams are vivid and detailed dreams that include sensory and motor sensations, predominantly occurring during REM sleep.

What is the activation synthesis model of dreaming?

The activation synthesis model theorizes that dreams result from the brain's interpretation of random electrical activity during sleep, creating a narrative from these chaotic images.

What does the neurocognition theory suggest about dreams?

The neurocognition theory suggests that there is continuity between waking and dreaming cognition, indicating that dreams mirror an individual’s interests, personalities, and concerns.

What are the five characteristics of dreams?

Dreams are often marked by intense emotional content, illogical organization, bizarre sensations, peculiar details accepted without critique, and difficulty in recall.