Unit 5: States of Consciousness Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in AP Psychology related to unit five, focusing on states of consciousness.

Circadian Rhythm

The natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other bodily functions, roughly following a 24-hour cycle.

REM Sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep, a sleep stage characterized by rapid movements of the eyes, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams.

Sleep Disorders

Conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting the quality or duration of sleep.

Paradoxical Sleep

Another term for REM sleep, where the brain is active while the body is paralyzed.

Opiates

A class of drugs that includes opioids, which mimic the effects of natural neurotransmitters for pain relief.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.

Dissociative Disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by an apparent disruption of the integration of consciousness, identity, memory, and perception.

Non-REM Sleep

The stages of sleep that do not involve rapid eye movement, including stages N1, N2, and N3.

Sleepwalking

A sleep disorder characterized by walking or performing other behaviors while in a state of sleep.

Night Terrors

A sleep disorder characterized by high levels of arousal and fear, occurring during non-REM sleep.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Sleep Paralysis

A temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up.

Agonists

Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters and bind to their receptors, activating them.

NREM Stage 3

The deepest stage of non-REM sleep, characterized by slow delta brain waves.

Dream Theory

The psychological and physiological explanations for the reasons behind dreams.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Pineal Gland

An endocrine gland that produces melatonin, influencing sleep patterns.

Hypnagogic Hallucinations

Vivid dream-like experiences occurring just before falling asleep.

Hyperarousal

An increased state of awareness and bodily reactions associated with sleep disorders like PTSD.

Sleep Consolidation

The process by which our brains consolidate memories and learning during sleep.

Delta Waves

Slow brain waves associated with deep sleep.

Sleep Deprivation

A condition resulting from prolonged lack of sleep, affecting cognitive and physiological functions.

Anxiolytics

Medications designed to reduce anxiety, often affecting sleep.

Hallucinogens

Substances causing altered states of perception and awareness, sometimes associated with sleep disturbances.

Sleep Cycle

The progression through various stages of sleep, repeating several times throughout the night.

NREM Stage 1

The lightest stage of sleep, marking the transition from wakefulness to sleep.

Cognitive Function

Mental processes that include thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving.