States of consciousness, stages of sleep, drug categories and effects

consciousness

awareness of both internal and external stimuli, sensations like hunger, pain, or the perception of light

wakefulness

heightened state of sensory awareness, active thoughts processes, + observable behavior

sleep (def+regulation)

a period of minimal physical activity + diminished level of awareness

• cycles of sleep + wakefulness regulated by the thalamus and hypothalamus (slow-wave sleep) and pons (REM)

what occurs during sleep? (+hormones)

secretion and regulation of many hormones — melatonin, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, growth hormone

why we sleep?

plays a crucial role in replenishing resources depleted throughout the day, cognitive function + performance function

• adaptive measure against predatory threats that heighten in darkness

sleep benefits

maintaining healthy weight, reducing stress, enhancing mood, improves motor coordination

brainwaves during sleep

beta — awake and busy; alert, “boss mode”

alpha mode

relaxed but still awake, daydreaming “apathy”

theta mode

light sleep; dozing off, possibly dreaming, easily woken

delta

deep sleep

stage 1

up to 10 minutes — bwtn. wakefulness + sleep, head bobbing, muscles begin to relax, pulse + breathing decreases

stage 2

10-25 minutes, eyes roll began to roll from side to side, sleep spindles, body temp. drops, transition toward deep sleep

stage 3 (additional characteristics)

20-40 minutes, deepest sleep, delta waves appear— slow deep large

• sleepwalking, sleeptalking, some dreaming, difficult to awaken someone, most restorative stage of sleep

stage 4 (+characteristics)

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) — 5 min-60 min, eyes move rapidly

• pulse + breathing decrease, if awakened feel groggy and tired, most dreaming occurs here, arms + legs muscles paralyze to prevent acting out dreams

biological rhythm (+characteristics)

internal cycle governing of various biological activities —

• variation in body temp., an individual’s menstrual cycle, changes in levels of alertness

circadian rhythm

biological rhythm that spans approximately 24 hours — sleep/wake cycle, influenced by the natural light-dark cycle of our environment

regualtes our biologial rhytham — hypothalamus maintains homeostatis, which is the abaility tos keep a stable or optimal level within biological system

melatonin (+gland)

darkness induces sleepiness, while exposure to daylight suppresses its production, the pineal gland secretes this hormone; an agonist

teenage + adult sleep pattern

teens — 8-10 hours of sleep, adults — 7+

sleep debt

the outcome of consistenly inadequate sleep over time

sleep rebound

a sleep-deprived person will likely fall asleep quickly during their next sleep opportunity

insomnia (+ contributing factors)

difficulty falling or staying asleep for at least three nights - week over a month; most common sleep disorder + may be linked to depression

• contributing factors — age, drug use, exercise, mental status + bedtime routines

insomnia treatments

stress management, behavioral changes + CBT

parasomnia

unwanted motor behaviors or experiences throughout the sleep cycle

sleepwalking

happens during slow-wave sleep

restless leg syndrome

present as uncomfrotable sensations in legs while trying to fall asleep, alleviated by movement, addressed through medications

night terror

sleeper experiences intense pain., often screaming or attempting to flee, during NREM

sleep apnea

individuals stop breathing, btwn. 10-20 seconds or even longer, repeated interruptions, results in heightened fatigue levels

narcolepsy

overwhelming desire to sleep while awake, frequently trigged by heightened arousal or stress; exhibit characteristics similar to REM sleep

• cataplexy: a loss of muscle tone while awake

• hypnagogic hallucinations: vivid, dream-like
  experiences

substance use disorder

a compulsive pattern of drug use despite negative consequences, involves physical + psychological dependence

• develop a tolerance + withdrawal

stimulants

increase overall levels of neural activity, initiate dopamine, highly addictive

hypnosis

extreme focus of self that involves suggested changes of behavior + experience, can alter thoughts + perceptions of patient

meditation (purpose, uses)

act of focusing on a single target such as breath or repeated sound to increase awareness, used as stress + pain management, sleep quality, treatment of mood, + anxiety disorder

what four types of drugs?

• opioids

• stimulants

• depressants

• hallucinogens

effects of opioids

can feel relaxed and happy, but also experience drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, + slowed breathing

effects of stimulants

heightened sense of well-being, euphoria, excitement, and alertness, and increases in motor activity

effects of depressants

slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, weakness, headache, lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing

effects of hallucinogens

elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, and often can induce nausea + vomiting