sleep, states of consciousness, and drugs test

consciousness

our subjective awareness of ourselves and our environment

cognitive neuroscience

the interdisciplinary study of brain activity linked with cognition

why do we sleep

• to give body and brain a chance to repair, rewire and reorganize

• memories are consolidated

• neural connections for new learning are strengthened

• human growth hormone (and cortisol) are released

• energy is preserve

circadian rhythm

internal biological clock

1 sleep cycle =

= about 90 minutes (with 4 stages)

alpha waves

relatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state

beta waves

when you are awake and alert

nonREM 1

transitioning from wake to sleep (5-10 minutes)

alpha waves

released in NREM 1

hyphagogic sensations

• during NREM 1

• sensations of falling, leg/arm jerk

nonREM 2

clearly asleep (20 minutes)

periodic sleep spindles

bursts of rapid, rhythmic brain wave activity

(during NREM 2)

theta waves

during NREM 2

nonREM 3

deep sleep (about 30 minutes);

hard to awaken

delta waves

during NREM 3;

large, slow

REM

rapid eye movement sleep;

a recurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur

sleep paralysis/”paradoxical sleep”

brainstem blocks motor cortex’s messages and muscles don’t move, but nervous system is very active;

during REM stage

freud’s wish fulfillment dream theory

suggests that we express uncomfortable or unconscious desires through our dreams (has been refuted)

activation-synthesis theory

REM sleep triggers neural activity that evokes random visual memories, which our sleep brain weaves into stories

consolidation theory

dreams are a result of memory consolidation that occurs during sleep;

helps sort out the day, events and file away memories

effects of sleep loss

• affects mood (increase aggressive behavior, depression, and suicidal thinking)

• offset metabolism, influence weight gain

• immune system suppression

• decreased attention span, slowed reaction time (cognitive effects)

insomnia

recurring problems falling and staying asleep

narcolepsy

uncontrollable sleep attacks;

may lapse directly into REM sleep (often at inopportune times)

sleep apnea

characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakening;

deprived of slow wave sleep;

happens hundreds of times each night

somnambulism (sleepwalking)

occurs during NREM 3;

usually harmless;

few people can recall nighttime trips

sleeptalking

disorder that runs in families;

can occur in any stage

REM sleep behavior disorder

normal REM paralysis does not occur, instead twitching, kicking, or punching may occur (often acting out dreams)

what hypnosis CAN do

• good for phobias

• alleviating nausea or anxiety

• not the treatment, but and aid to the treatment

what hypnosis CANNOT do

• recall repressed/forgotten memories

• force people to act against their will

psychoative drug

a chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood

physcial dependence

marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, vomiting, headaches, etc

psychological dependence

a psychological need to use a drug

tolerance

diminishing effect with regular use

depressants

drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions

examples of depressants

alcohol, barbiturates, opiates

stimulants

drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions

examples of stimulants

caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine

hallucinogens

drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input

examples of hallucinogens

LSD

barbiturates (depressants)

tranquilizers that are not commonly prescribed

opiates (depressants)

depress neural activity and temporarily lessen pain and anxiety;

opium and its derivatives (morphine and heroin)

opioids (depressants)

can be found in prescription drugs like oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet or illegally like heroin

effects of alcohol use

slower thought and physical reaction;

reduced memory formation;

impaired judgement (increased accidents and aggression)

amphetamines (stimulants)

result in short term energy and euphoria

long term use of stimulants

depletes dopamine, leaving user depressed

smoking (stimulants)

can increase alertness, decrease appetite, may trigger release of stress reducing neurotransmitters but reduces circulation to extremities

cocaine (stimulants)

creates sense of euphoria but leads to crash

meth (stimulants)

triggers extended release of dopamine with irritability and crash

ecstasy (MDMA) (hallucinogens)

both stimulant and hallucinogen;

feeling of euphoria and social connectedness;

can lead to dehydration, overheating, high blood pressure

LSD (hallucinogens)

creates false sensory experiences known as hallucinations

marijuana (hallucinogen)

major active ingredient is THC (not the same as CBD);

amplifies sensations and can produce a mild high, but impairs moto coordination, reaction time, and brain shrinks in areas with emotion processing and memory

biological factors of drug dependence

dependence in relatives;

genes related to alcohol sensitivity and dependence

psychological factors of drug dependence

seeking gratification;

depression;

problems forming identity

social influence of drug dependence

media glorification;

observing peers