AP Psych - Biological Bases of Behavior Part 2

- The Sleep/Wake Cycle & Circadian Rhythm - Psychoactive Drugs: Influence on Consciousness

Consciousness

the state of being aware of & able to perceive one’s thoughts, feelings, sensations & surroundings

Circadian Rhythm

natural, internal process that regulates the sleep/wake cycle & repeats roughly every 24 hours; influences alertness, hormone release, body temp, etc

Jet Lag

a temporary disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm due to rapid travel across multiple time zones; can result in fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating

Shirt Work 

employment schedules often disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm 

NREM Stage 1

first stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep by drifting in & out of sleep lasting only a few minutes

hypnic jerks - sudden muscle contractions

NREM Stage 2

body temperature will drop, heart rate slows, breathing more shallow and irregular (20 minutes)

NREM Stage 3

deepest stage or non-rapid eye movement sleep characterized by the presence of delta waves

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep 

a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement, vivid dreams, & muscel paralysis (paradoxical sleep) 

REM Rebound

the phenomenon where the body increases the time spend in REM sleep after a period of REM deprivation; occurs as a compensatory response to the lack of REM sleep, often resulting in more intense and frequent REM sleep episodes

Activation-Synthesis (Dreams)

a theory that says dreams are the result of random neural activity in the brainstem

Consolidation Theory (Dreams)

a theory that says dreams are important for memory consolidation & processing of memories

Insomnia 

difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep 

Narcolepsy

sleep disorder where excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes or muscle weakness (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations during sleep onset or awakening

Sleep Apnea

pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

individuals physically act out their dreams during REM sleep

Somnambulism 

sleepwalking

Psychoactive Drugs

substance that alter brain function leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior

Agonists

mimic the effects of neurotransmitters, enhancing neural activity

“AGonost ACTivate”

Antagonists

blocking the effects of neurotransmitters

“ANTagonists ANTagonize”

Reuptake Inhibitors 

medications that block reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron, increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft & enhancing neurotransmission 

Stimulants

drugs that increase neural activity & arousal; heightened alertness, attention, & energy levels

Caffeine

natural stimulant; CNS; alertness & reducing fatigue blocking adenosine

Cocaine

powerful stimulant from the coca plant; increases energy, alertness, & leads to euphoria; blocking dopamine, serotonin & norepinephrine

Depressants 

drugs that slow neural activity & bodily functions; induce relaxation, sedation, & lower inhibitions 

Alcohol

slows down neural activity in the central nervous system; impair judgment, coordination, & cognitive functions, leading to relaxation, euphoria, & in higher doses, intoxication

Halluciogens

drugs that alter perceptions mood & cognitive processes; causes hallucinations or profound changes in consciousness

Marijuana

derived from the cannabis plant; contains THC which alters mood, perception, & cognation; relaxation, altered perception of time, & heightened sensory experiences

Opiods 

drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain & body producing pain relief, euphoria, & sedation 

Heroin 

highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine; intense euphoria, pain relief, & sedation 

Tolerance

increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same effects due to the brain’s adaption to the drug leading to reduced sensitivity to its effects over time

Withdrawal

onset of symptoms when a person stops using an psychoactive substance after prolonged use

Addiction

chronic brain disorder; seeking & using despite harmful consequences; brain structure & function leading to a loss of control drug consumption