Unit 4 Vocab- States of Consciousness

Activation-Synthesis Theory

A theory of dreaming that suggests dreams are the brain's attempt to make sense of random neural activity.

addiction

A complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use or behaviors despite harmful consequences.

agonist

A drug or chemical that enhances the activity of neurotransmitters.

Alcohol

A depressant that slows down the central nervous system, impairing cognitive and motor functions.

alpha waves

The relatively slow brain waves are associated with relaxation and wakefulness.

antagonist

A drug or chemical that inhibits or blocks the action of neurotransmitters.

barbiturates

A class of drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment.

Caffeine

A stimulant found in coffee, tea, and many soft drinks that increases alertness and reduces fatigue.

circadian rhythm

The biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant drug that increases levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to intense euphoria and increased energy.

consciousness

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment.

delta waves

The large, slow brain waves associated with deep sleep.

depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions.

dream

A sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts passing through a sleeping person's mind.

dual processing

The idea that information is simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks.

hallucinations

Perceptions that have no direct external cause, arising from disorders such as schizophrenia, sensory deprivation, or drug-induced states.

hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception and cause hallucinations or profound distortions in a person's perceptions of reality.

Heroin

An opioid drug that produces intense euphoria and pain relief, highly addictive. 

Hypnagogic sensations

Sensations experienced during the transition from wakefulness to sleep, including hallucinations, muscle jerks, and sensations of falling.

insomnia

Persistent problems falling asleep or staying asleep.

jet lag

A temporary sleep disorder that occurs when a person's internal body clock is out of sync with the time zone they are in.

marijuana

A drug containing THC that alters mood, perception, and cognitive function.

narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks, often triggered by strong emotions.

NREM sleep

Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep; the sleep stages characterized by slow brain waves, relaxed muscles, and decreased heart rate and breathing.

opioids

A class of drugs that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects, including pain relief and feelings of euphoria.

psychoactive drug

A chemical substance that alters perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior.

REM rebound

The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation.

REM sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep; a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and muscle paralysis.

REM sleep behavior disorder

A sleep disorder characterized by the acting out of violent or dramatic dreams during REM sleep.

Reticular Activating System

A network of neurons in the brainstem involved in arousal and attention.

reticular formation

A network of neurons running through the core of the brainstem, involved in controlling arousal and attention.

sleep

A natural state of rest for the body and mind, characterized by altered consciousness, reduced sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles.

sleep apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue.

Somnambulism

A disorder in which a person walks or performs other complex behaviors while asleep.

stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions, such as caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine.

subliminal

Below one's absolute threshold for conscious awareness.

substance use disorder

A condition characterized by continued use of a substance despite significant substance-related problems.

tolerance

The diminishing effect of a drug with regular use, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect.

withdrawal

The discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug or behavior.