Unit 04 States of Consciousness

circadian rhythm

our biological processes that occur over approximately 24 hours; influenced by environmental cues such as light and darkness

affects many physiological functions, including sleep patterns

jet lag is a temporary disruption of this due to rapid travel across time zones

alpha waves

a type of brain wave pattern characterized by a frequency range of 8-13 Hz

associated with a focused or drowsy state; signals NREM1

beta waves

a type of brain wave pattern characterized by a frequency range of 13-24 Hz

associated with wakefulness and mental engagement; signals REM sleep

stage 1 (NREM1)

stage 2 (NREM2)

stage 3 (NREM2)

REM

a stage of sleep characterized by increased brain activity and vivid dreaming

neural networks critical to brain development are reinforced

activation synthesis model

a theory that suggests dreams are a result of random neural activity in the brain during REM sleep, which is then interpreted by the brain into a story or narrative

long-term potentiation may affect the content of dreams

hypnagogic sensations

vivid, dreamlike experiences that occur during the transition between wakefulness and sleep; may involve visual, auditory, or even tactile sensations that feel strikingly real, but are not actually based in external reality

ex: a feeling of falling as if in an elevator

paradoxical sleep

an alternate term for REM sleep; the beta waves during this stage mimic that of an awake individual despite the muscles being relaxed and inactive (REM atonia)

waking during this stage may lead to sleep paralysis

restorative theory of sleep

suggests that sleep is necessary for the body and mind to recover from daily activities; the body repairs itself, consolidates memories, and replenishes energy levels

REM rebound

the lengthening and increasing frequency and depth of REM sleep which occurs after periods of sleep deprivation

ex: having a longer, more intense period of REM sleep the day after drinking

microsleeps

brief episodes of sleep that occur involuntarily during wakefulness, usually due to sleep deprivation

ex: nodding off in class for a few seconds after pulling an all-nighter

insomnia

the most common sleep disorder; characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both

results in inadequate rest and can affect performance during waking hours

narcolepsy

a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness; often involves lapsing directly into REM sleep

REM sleep behavior disorder

a sleep disorder characterized by the loss of normal muscle atonia that occurs during REM sleep, allowing the person to act out their dreams physically

can lead to disruptive and potentially harmful behaviors

ex: jumping out of bed or laughing

night terrors

episodes of intense fear experienced while asleep, often causing behaviors like screaming, intense crying, and even physical movement

ex: thrashing while whimpering but being unable to recall the incident the following morning

somnambulism (sleepwalking)

a sleep disorder characterized by walking or performing other complex behaviors while still asleep; usually occurs during NREM3 sleep

ex: going to the kitchen and opening the fridge

sleep apnea

a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep

can lead to poor quality of rest and other health complications if left untreated

age related sleeping patterns

the recommended amount of sleep decreases with age

from infancy to young adulthood, REM sleep is especially crucial for brain development and consolidating neural networks

older folks tend to have more disruptive sleep patterns

psychoactive drugs

chemicals that affect the central nervous system, altering brain function and causing changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior

can be categorized into depressants, stimulants, opiates, or hallucinogens

narcotics (opiates)

drugs used for treating pain; contains opium-like compounds

binds to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract

ex: heroin

sedatives

a type of depressant that calms individuals, reducing excitement and irritability

ex: barbiturates, alcohol

stimulants

substances that increase activity in the body and brain, enhancing alertness and energy levels

ex: cocaine, meth, caffeine

suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus

a small group of cells located in the hypothalamus that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms

pineal gland

a small endocrine gland located deep within our brain; secretes melatonin and plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles

hallucinogens

substances that produce changes in consciousness by altering perceptions

ex: LSD

melatonin

a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles; plays a crucial role in setting our circadian rhythm, which affects sleep patterns

a synthetic supplement of this may be taken to help you fall asleep