Unit 1 (Part 2): Biological Bases of Behavior (States of Consciousness)

consciousness

-state of being aware and able to perceive one’s thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings
-involves various levels from alert wakefulness to altered states such as sleep or meditation
- 3 levels:
1. Conscious Level: fully aware
2. Subconscious Level: ex: daydreams, autopilot
3. Unconscious Level: buried memories, emotions

circadian rhythm

body’s internal clock
affected by light and temperature
-natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours
-influences patterns of alertness, hormone release, body temperature, and other physiological processes

jet lag

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 as the body adjusts to the new time zone

shift work

employnment schedules that require working outside of typical daytime hours, often disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm
-can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigure, and increased of health problems due to the mismatch between work hours and the body’s internal clock

NREM Stage 1

light sleep
THETA WAVES
-characterized by drifting in and out of sleep, lasting only 1 to 5 minutes
-brain waves slow down, muscles relax, and individuals may experience sudden muscle contractions (hypnic jerks)

NREM Stage 2

purpose: memory consolidation and protection
-characterized by light sleep, lasting about 10 to 25 minutes
-brain waves further slow down and sleep spindles and K-complexes appear
-when memory consolidation occurs

NREM Stage 3

restorative phase
deepest stage of NREM
-characterized by the presence of DELTA WAVES
-restoration of resources: process during sleep where the body and brain replenish energy, repair tissue, and remove waste products promoting physical and mental well-being
-lasts 20 to 40 minutes
-where PHYSICAL recovery happens

REM Sleep

-stage of sleep characterized by RAPID EYE MOVEMENTS, vivid dreams, and muscle paralysis
-associated with iincreased brain activity, including dreaming
-plays a role in memory consolidation and emotional processing

REM Rebound

-phenomenon where body increases the time spent in REM sleep after a period of REM deprivation
-occurs as a compensatory response to the lack of REM sleep
-often results in more intense and frequent REM sleep episodes

activation-synthesis theory

theory proposing that dreams are the result of random neural activity in the brainstem during REM sleep, which is then interpreted and synthesized by the cerebral cortex into a narrative or story

consolidation theory

a theory suggesting that dreams play a role in the memory consolidation and processing of memories
-during sleep, the brain organizes and integrates information acquired throughout the day, contributing to memory storage and learning

insomnia

sleep disorder
-characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep
-leads to daytime impairment such as fatigue, mood disturbances, and decreased cognitive function

narcolepsy

sleep disorder
-characterized by excessive sleepiness, sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations during sleep onset or awakening

sleep apnea

sleep disorder
-characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, daytime fatigure, and other health problems

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

sleep disorder
-individuals physically act out their dreams during REM sleep, potentially causing injury to themselves or others due to loss of muscle paralysis

somnambulism

sleep disorder
commonly known as SLEEPWALKING
-characterized by walking or performing other activities while still asleep
-typically occurs during non-REM sleep stages and can result in injuries or accidents

psychoactive drugs

-substances that alter brain function
-leads to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior
-acts on CNS
-categorized into stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opioids
-3 WAYS OF FUNCTIONING: boosting neurotransmitters, blocking neurotransmitters, extending time of neurotransmitters

agonists

-substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors and MIMIC THEIR EFFECTS, enhancing neural activity
-risk: brain stops making the natural neurotransmitters, leading to tolerance and withdrawals

antagonists

-substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors WITHOUT ACTIVATING them, BLOCKING THE EFFECTS of neurotransmitters
-risk: leads to side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and mood changes

reuptake inhibitors

-medications that BLOCK THE REABSORPTION OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS by the sending neuron
-increases the amount of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, which enhances neurotransmission

stimulants

drugs that INCREASE NEURAL ACTIVITY and AROUSAL
-leads to increased alertness attention and energy levels

caffeine

natural stimulant
found in coffee, tea, and some sodas
-acts on the CNS
-increases alertness and reduces fatigue by BLOCKING the neurotransmitter ADENOSINE

cocaine

stimulant
derived from the coca plant
-increases neural activity
-leads to euphoria and increased energy and alertness
-works by BLOCKING THE REUPTAKE of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine

depressants

drugs that SLOW DOWN neural activity and bodily functions
-increase relaxation, sedation, and lower inhibitions

alcohol

depressant
-slows down neural activity in CNS
-can impair judgment, coordination, and cognitive functions
-leads to relaxation, euphoria, and intoxication

hallucinogens

drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes
-often cause hallucinations or profound changes in consciousness

marijuana

psychoactive drug
derived from cannabis plant
-contains THC which alters mood, perception, and cognition
-effects include: relaxation, altered perception of time, and heightened sensory experiences

opioids

psychoactive drugs
-act on opioid receptors in the brain and body
-produce pain relief, euphoria, and sedation

heroin

opioid
highly addictive
derived from morphine
-produces intense euphoria, pain relief, and sedation by binding to opioid receptors in the brain

tolerance

-condition where increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same effects
-occurs due to the brain’s adaptation to the drug
-leads to reduced sensitivity to its effects over time

withdrawal

onset of symptoms when a person stops using a psychoactive substance after prolonged use
-symptoms include: physical discomfort, psychological distress, and cravings for the drug

addiction

chronic brain disorder
-characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use DESPITE HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES
-involves changes in brain structure and function
-leads to a loss of control over drug consumption

cataplexy

sudden episodes of muscle weakness

k-complexes

occur in NREM STAGE 2
sudden, sharp waveforms

sleep spindles

occur in NREM Stage 2
short bursts of brain activity

hypnic jerks

sudden muscle contractions occuring during NREM Stage 1