States of Consciousness and Psychoactive Drugs: Biological Bases of Behavior

Consciousness

Awareness of yourself and your environment.

Circadian rhythm

Body's 24-hour clock regulating sleep and other processes.

Jet lag

Fatigue and disorientation after traveling across time zones.

Shift work

Work schedule that goes against normal sleep cycle.

NREM Stage 1

Light sleep with hypnagogic sensations (falling/floating).

NREM Stage 2

Light sleep with sleep spindles and body cooling.

NREM Stage 3

Deep sleep with slow delta waves; body restores itself.

REM sleep

Stage with vivid dreams, brain active, body paralyzed.

REM rebound

Extra REM sleep after being deprived.

Activation-synthesis theory

Dreams are brain making sense of random activity.

Consolidation theory

Dreams help solidify and upgrade memories.

Insomnia

Trouble falling or staying asleep.

Narcolepsy

Sudden sleep attacks during the day.

Sleep apnea

Breathing stops during sleep, often with loud snoring.

REM sleep behavior disorder

Acting out dreams because paralysis fails.

Somnambulism

Sleepwalking during NREM-3.

Psychoactive drugs

Chemicals that change thoughts, mood, and behavior.

Agonists

Drugs that mimic neurotransmitters.

Antagonists

Drugs that block neurotransmitters.

Reuptake inhibitors

Prevent neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed.

Stimulants

Speed up brain activity and energy.

Caffeine

Blocks adenosine, keeps you awake.

Cocaine

Blocks dopamine reuptake; causes euphoria.

Depressants

Slow brain and body activity.

Alcohol

Slows reaction time; increases GABA, decreases glutamate.

Hallucinogens

Alter perception and cause hallucinations.

Marijuana

THC alters mood, time, and perception.

Opioids

Painkillers that mimic endorphins.

Heroin

Highly addictive opioid; produces intense euphoria.

Tolerance

Needing more of a drug for same effect.

Withdrawal

Symptoms after stopping a drug.

Addiction

Compulsive drug use despite harm.