Sleep, altered states of consciousness, etc

beta waves

When an individual is awake (fast waves, low amplitude)

alpha waves

When an individual is awake but relaxed (large amplitude, slow and regular waves)

stage 1 sleep

transition between sleep and wakefulness,

theta waves

stage 1 of sleep (high amplitude, low frequency)

stage 2

mixed brain waves, mostly theta waves with sleep spindles (higher frequency bursts of waves)

stage 3 and 4

the deepest sleep stages, brain, breathing and pulse slow down

delta waves

slow rhythm brain waves, in stages 3 and 4 of sleep

REM sleep

beta wave sleep, increased pulse, eye movement, lack of muscle tone

insomnia

problems falling or staying asleep

sleep apnea

temporary pauses in breathing during sleep, causing awakenings

narcolepsy

sudden onsets of sleep during waking hours

sleepwalking

occurs during stages 3 or 4 early in the night, could be simple or complex activities

activation synthesis theory

random neurons fire and the brain tells a story to explain the activity

Information processing theory

may be how the brain solves problems, we dream about our knowledge and experineces

psychodynamic theories

dreams are an expression of our unconscious desires and motivations

physiological function theory

dreaming maintains neural pathways (like starting a car)

cognitive theory

dreams are standard and rely on cognitive development

hypnosis

a procedure in which a practitioner suggests changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, feelings or behaviors

dissociation theory

a split in consciousness in which one part of the mind acts independently

sociocognitive theory

results from the interaction between social influence of the hypnotist and beliefs and expectations of the subject

psychoactgive drug

changes consciousness, alters mood, perception, thinking, memory and behavior

stimulants

speed up central nervous system activity

depressants

slow down central nervous system activity

alcohol

increases effects of GABA, slows down sympathetic nervous system, disrupts memory processing

barbiturates

tranquilizers, used to sleep, reduces REM sleep

opiates

taken for pain reduction, mimic endorphins, cause euphoria

psychedelics

disrupt normal thought processes such as time and space perception

biofeedback

person learns to control psychological processes through feedback

meditation

focusing of attention on an image or thought with the goal of clearing the mind

causes of addiction

dopamine pathways (midbrain and basal ganglia) , pros and cons system (frontal lobe), craving system (insula)

Marijuana

hallucinogen, stimulates false preceptions

LSD

psychedelic, interacts with serotonin receptors

caffeine

stimulant, interferes with inhibition produced by adenosine

nicotine

stimulant, mimics acetylcholine, increases heart rate, blood pressure, reduces fatigue

cocaine

stimulant, blocks dopamine reuptake transporters

methamphetamine

stimulant, mimics dopamine

ritalin

stimulant, boosts activity of dopamine and norepinepherine, increases concentration

MDMA

psychedelic, mimics and blocks reuptake of serotonin

night terror

occurs in NREM 4, arousal from sleep with physiological reactions

nightmare

occur during REM sleep, anxiety inducing dreams

trancendental meditation

mental repetition of a mantra

minfullness meditation

focusing awareness on a present moment

breathing meditation

concentration on inhale and exhale