Consciousness, Sleep, and Hypnosis

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on concepts related to consciousness, sleep, dream theories, and altered states of consciousness.

Consciousness

Moment-to-moment awareness of oneself and one’s environment; it is subjective, private, dynamic, and central to the sense of self.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes that occur approximately every 24 hours, influenced by external time cues and controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

A small region of the brain that influences hormones and neurotransmitters, regulating melatonin levels based on light and dark.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and often associated with vivid dreaming.

Insomnia

Chronic difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden uncontrollable sleep attacks.

Hypnosis

A state in which one person influences another to act or perceive in a way that may not be within their full awareness, often through suggestion.

Activation-Synthesis Model

A theory suggesting that dreams are caused by the brain's random electrical activity during REM sleep, which the mind interprets as coherent experiences.

Psychoactive Drug

A substance that alters perception, mood, thinking, memory, or behavior by changing the body’s biochemistry.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down CNS activity, including substances like alcohol and opiates.

Stimulants

Substances that speed up CNS activity, including caffeine, nicotine, and cocaine.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that distort or intensify sensory experiences and can blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Opiates

Drugs derived from the poppy plant that bind to endorphin receptors, providing pain relief and mood changes.

Sleep Disorders

Conditions affecting the ability to sleep well on a regular basis, including insomnia, sleepwalking, and narcolepsy.

Marijuana

A psychoactive drug with various effects, including mild euphoria and relaxation, derived from the Cannabis plant.

Dreams

Subjective experiences of events, images, and actions that can occur during sleep, particularly in REM.

Placebo Effect

A phenomenon in which a patient experiences perceived or actual improvements in their condition solely due to their belief in the treatment.