Consciousness and Sleep Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to consciousness, sleep, and related topics.

Consciousness

A person's awareness of everything that is going on around him or her at any given moment, which is used to organize behavior.

Consciousness as a Stream

Consciousness is not only constantly changing and shifting it is also a constant stream of alternating focus

Circadian Rhythm

A process that regulates the sleep cycle and repeats approximately every 24 hours.

Significance of Circadian Rhythms

Important for the sleep cycle, as well as mood and cognitive function, metabolism, hormonal balance, and physical health.

Ignoring the Circadian Rhythm

Can lead to sleep disruption and insomnia, cognitive decline, mood disorders, increased risk of chronic diseases, impaired immune function, and decreased performance and safety risks.

REM Sleep

Deep stage of sleep marked by rapid eye movement and dreaming.

NREM Sleep

Includes stages 1, 2 & 3. It is marked by an absence of rapid eye movements and dreaming.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A non-invasive test that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Dreaming

A state of consciousness that occurs during REM sleep, involving images, ideas, emotions, and sensations.

State Theory of Hypnosis

Sees hypnosis as a real altered state of consciousness, when a person is hypnotized, they enter a unique mental state that differs from normal wakefulness.

Role-Playing Theory of Hypnosis

Views it as a social behavior driven by expectation and suggestion. People act 'hypnotized' because they are following the cues and expectations about what hypnosis should look like.

Meditation

A practice that involves focusing your attention to achieve a calm and clear state of mind

Drugs

Chemical substances that modify mental, emotional, or behavioural functioning.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Sleep Apnea

Breathing repeatedly starts and stops.

Narcolepsy

Irregular sleep-wake cycles.

Parasomnia

Abnormal or unusual behavior during sleep.

Biological rhythms

Periodic fluctuations in physiological functioning.