Secontion 3

Selective attention

The process of focusing on a specific stimulus while ignoring others. Example: Listening to one conversation at a busy party.

Alpha waves

Brain waves that occur during relaxed but awake states, typically associated with a calm, restful mind and also N1 sleep the first stage. Example: The brain produces alpha waves when you meditate.

Cocktail-party effect

The ability to focus on a single conversation in a noisy environment, such as a party. Example: You can hear your name mentioned across a crowded room despite the noise.

Sleep spindles

Rapid bursts of brain activity during sleep that play a role in memory consolidation. Example: Detectable in EEG readings during stage 2 sleep.

Hallucinogens

Substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, leading to hallucinations. Example: LSD or psilocybin mushrooms.

REM sleep

A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams. Example: Most dreaming occurs during REM sleep.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. Example: A person suddenly falling asleep during a conversation.

Sleep apnea

A sleep disorder marked by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. Example: Loud snoring followed by periods of silence.

Night terrors

Intense episodes of screaming, fear, and panic during sleep, often without recollection the following morning. Example: A child terrified and screaming and their heart rate doubles and breathing rates during the attack.

Insomnia

Chronic difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep despite the opportunity to sleep. Example: A person lying awake for hours each night.

Latent content

The hidden psychological meaning of a dream, as opposed to the manifest content (the actual storyline). Example: A dream about flying representing a desire for freedom.

Hypnosis

A state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often used therapeutically. Example: Using hypnosis to help someone quit smoking.

Psychoactive drugs

Substances that affect mood, perception, and behavior by altering brain function. Example: Caffeine, alcohol, and marijuana.

Manifest content

The explicit storyline and imagery of a dream, as opposed to its latent content. Example: Dreaming about losing a wallet represents anxiety about finances.

Circadian rhythm

The natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other biological processes, roughly following a 24-hour cycle. Example: The body's release of melatonin at night.

Paradoxical sleep

Another term for REM sleep, where the brain is active while the body is relaxed and immobile. Example: Brain activity resembling wakefulness during REM sleep.

Effects of psychoactive drugs

The changes in perception, mood, and behavior caused by drug substances.

pro: rush of euphoria, relief from pain, confidence, alertness, energy, relaxation, sense of well-being

cons: depression, heart disease, cancer, impaired learning and memory, insomnia, impaired cognitive and immune functioning, organ damage, seizures

Example: Stimulants like cocaine leading to increased energy and alertness.