Consciousness & Altered States

Consciousness

A person's awareness at a given moment.

Altered States

A shift in the quality of the pattern of mental activity.

Altered States - Sleep

Part of our circadian rhythm, serves the purpose of conserving energy and restoring systems and cell tissue growth/repair.

Stage One Sleep

characterized by light sleep, hypnagogic images, sleep spindles, and myoclonic jerks

Stage Two Sleep

characterized by sleep spindles and bursts of EEG

Stage Three Sleep

the first appearance of delta waves and the release of growth hormones

Stage Four sleep

Sleep is predominantly delta waves; deeper stage of sleep when delta waves hit 50%.

REM Sleep & Dreaming

Occurs four or five times a night and is associated with dreaming.

Nightmares

Unpleasant dreams during REM sleep.

REM Behavior Disorder

REM paralysis fails, leading to acting out dreams.

Sleep Deprivation

Causes include sleep disorders such as apnea and narcolepsy, failure to sleep adequately, worry, and drug usage.

Altered States - Hypnosis

Can produce amnesia, reduce pain, and alter sensory impressions. Cannot give increased strength, reliably enhance memory, or regress people to an earlier age; susceptible to suggestion

Hilgard

The hidden observer; a state of dissociation where one part of consciousness is hypnotized while another part is aware.

Social-Cognitive Theory

Views hypnosis as role-playing due to social situation.

Altered States - Meditation

A state of "peace of mind" reachable through rituals and exercises, ranging from ritualistic prayers to simple focus on one's breath.

Altered States - Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs that can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Physical & Psychological Drug Dependence

Physically addictive drugs lead to cravings and withdrawal, while psychological dependence involves the belief that drugs are necessary for functioning and well-being.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase the functioning of the nervous system (e.g., caffeine).

Depressants

Drugs that slow down the nervous system (e.g., beer).

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter the brain's interpretation of sensations, leading to hallucinations.

Narcotics

Pain-relieving substances based on opium poppies.

Restorative Theory

Sleep replenishes chemicals used up during the day and allows for cell repair and body growth during deeper stages of sleep.

Adaptive Theory

Sleep is a by-product of evolution and is necessary for survival by avoiding predators during the night.

Drug Tolerance

body becomes conditioned to level of drug, leads to increased drug usages

Signs of Physical Dependency

compulsive use, loss of control, disregard for consequences of use