Biological Bases of Behavior (States of Consciousness)

consciousness

the state of being aware of and aide to perceive one’s thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings. involves various levels, from alert wakefulness to altered states such as sleep or meditation

circadian rhythm

the natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. influences patterns of alertness, hormone release, body temperature, and other physiological processes. 

jet lag

a temporary disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm due to rapid travel across multiple time zones. result in fatigure, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating as the body adjusts to the new time zone

shift work

employment schedules that require working outside of typical daytime hours often disrupting the body’s natural circadian rhythm. can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and increased risk of health problems due to the mismatch between work hours and the body’s internal clock.

NREM Stage 1 (hypnagogic stage)

the first stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep characterized by drifting ina dn out of sleep, lasting only a few minutes. brain waves slow down, muscles relax, and individuals may experience sudden muscle contractions known as hypnic jerks. it is the lightest sleep stage.

NREM Stage 2

characterized by light sleep, lasting about 20 minutes. brain waves further slow down and sleep spindles (short bursts of brain activity) and k-complexes (sudden, sharp waveforms) appear

NREM Stage 3

deepest stage of NREM sleep characterized by presence of predominantly delta waves.

Restoration of Resources: this process during sleep where the body and brain replenish energy, repair tissues, and remove waste products, promoting physical and mental well-being.

REM Sleep

sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movements, vivid dreams, and muscle paralysis. associated with increased brain activity, including dreaming and plays a role in memory consolidation and emotional processing

REM rebound

phenomenon where the body increases time spent in REM sleep after a period of REM deprivation. occurs as a compensating response to the lack of REM sleep, often resulting in more intense and frequent REM sleep episodes

Activation-synthesis (dreams)

a theory proposing that dreams are the result of random neural activity in the brainstem during REM sleep, which is then interpreted and synthesized by cerebral cortex into a narrative or story

Consolidation Theory (dreams)

a theory suggesting that dreams play a role in memory consolidation and processing of. memories. during sleep, the brain organizes and integrates into acquired throughout the day, contributing to memory storage and learning

Insomnia

a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty faling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep, leading to daytime impairment such as fatigue, mood disturbances, and decreased cognitive function

narcolepsy

a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations during sleep onset or awakening

sleep apnea

a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and other health problems

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

a sleep disorder where individuals physically act out their dreams during REM sleep, potentially causing injury to themselves or others due to loss of muscle paralysis

somnambulism

a sleep disorder commonly known as sleepwaking, characterized by walking or performing other activities while still asleep. typically occurs during NREM sleep stages, particularly in stage 3, and can result in injuries or accidents

psychoactive drugs

substances that alter brain function, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition or behavior. acts on the central nervous system nad categorized into stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opiods.

agonists

substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors and mimic their effects, enhancing neural activitya

antagonists

substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors without activiating them, blocking the effects of neurotranasmitters

reuptake inhibitors

medication that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron, thereby increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft and enhancing neurotransmission

stimulants

drugs that increase neural activity and arousal, leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy levels

caffeine

natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and some sodas. acts on the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fastigue by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine

nicotine

tobacoo products delive highly addictive nicotine which is a leading cause of preventable death in the US

cocaine

powerful stimulant derived from coca plant. increases neural activity leading to euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine

depressants

drugs that clow down neural activity and bodily functions. induce relaxation, sedation, and can lower inhibitions

alcohol

depressant drug that slows down neural activity in the central nervous system. impairs judgment, coordination, and cognitive function, leading to relazation, euphoria, and in higher doses, intoxication

hallucinogens

drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often causing hallucinations or profound changes in consciousness

marijuana

mild hallucinogenic drug caused by cannabis plant. contains THC, which alters modd, perception, and cognition. effects include relazation, altered perception of time, and heightened sensory experiences. THC in marijuana can produce hallucinogenic-like effects in certain individuals. amplifies sensativity to colors, sounds, tastes, and smells

opioids

psychoactive drugs that act on opioid receptors in the brain and body, producing pain relief, euphoria, and sedation

heroin

highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine. produces intense euphoria, pain relief, and sedation by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.

tolerance

condition where increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same effects. occurs due to the brain’s adaptation to. thedrug, leading to reduced sensativity to its effects over time

withdrawal

onset of symptoms when a person stops using a psychoactive substance after prolonged use. symptoms include physical discomfort, psychological distress, and cravings for the drug

addiction

chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking adn use, despite harmful consequences. involves changes in brain structure and function, leading to a loss of control over drug consumption