Overview of Consciousness, Sleep, and Dreaming

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the nature of consciousness, stages of sleep, and dreaming as discussed in the lecture notes.

Consciousness

The moment-to-moment awareness of ourselves and our environment.

Thalamus

Brain area that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Cerebral Cortex

Brain area responsible for being aware of one’s attention.

Levels of Consciousness

Includes consciousness, preconsciousness, and unconsciousness.

Preconsciousness

Information that is outside of current awareness but can be easily accessed.

Unconsciousness

Information not easily accessed by consciousness, containing painful thoughts and memories.

Implicit Memory

Knowledge of which we are not typically aware, like skills and past experiences.

Automatic Processing

Processing that requires no consciousness, often used for routine tasks.

Circadian Rhythm

A daily, rhythmic biological cycle controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Stages of Sleep

Include various phases like REM, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4, occurring roughly every 90 minutes.

Beta Waves

Brainwaves that occur when a person is awake and alert.

Delta Waves

Brainwaves that dominate during deep sleep stages 3 and 4.

REM Sleep

Stage of sleep where frequent dreaming occurs, marked by increased heart rate and irregular breathing.

Sleep Spindles

Bursts of rapid brain activity that occur in Stage 2 of sleep.

Slow-Wave Sleep

Stages 3 and 4 of sleep, characterized by the dominance of delta waves.

Dreaming

Most commonly occurs during REM sleep, can also occur at other stages, often with negative content.

Restorative Theory

The theory suggesting that sleep restores our brains and bodies.

Adaptive Theory

The theory stating that organisms sleep for self-preservation and safety from predators.