AP Psychology (2024-2025) - Unit 1 - States of Conciousness (2/3)

consciousness

Subjective awareness of an individual and their environment

circadian rhythm

the biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle

jet lag

a disruption of circadian rhythms due to crossing time zones

shift work sleep disorder

recurrent pattern of sleep interruption due to shift work, causing difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep and producing daytime sleepiness. Messes up the body's circadian rhythm.

NREM stage 1 sleep

The stage of sleep where hallucinations occur and alpha waves are present. Relaxation begins in this stage and arousal is easy.

NREM stage 2 sleep

The stage in sleep where about 20 minutes in, sleep spindles occur that aid in memory processing

NREM stage 3 sleep

The stage of sleep where about 30 minutes in, large delta waves occur that make in hard for individuals to be awoken

REM sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep, a recurring sleep stage during which vivid dreams commonly occur. Occurs 10 minutes after stage 3 sleep

activation-synthesis theory

a theory of dreaming; proposes that the brain tries to make sense of random brain activity that occurs during sleep by synthesizing the activity with stored memories

consolidation theory of sleep

a theory of dreaming; proposes that the brain processes information that we have learnt during the day and new memories are strengthened while asleep

Insomnia

recurring problems in falling or staying asleep

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks. The sufferer may lapse directly into REM sleep, often at inopportune times.

sleep apnea

a sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings

REM sleep behavior disorder

a neurological disorder in which the person does not become paralyzed during REM sleep and thus acts out dreams. Can lead to people doing stuff like singing or punching in their sleep

somnambulism

the condition of walking or performing some other activity without awakening; also known as sleepwalking

Psychoactive Drugs

chemicals that affect the central nervous system and alter activity in the brain, leading to changes in mood perception and cognition

Agonists

drugs that increase the action of a neurotransmitter

Antagonists

drugs block the actions of neurotransmitters

Reuptake inhibitors

Drugs that interfere with the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the synapse so that a greater amount remains in the synapse

Stimulants

drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions

Caffeine

Natural stimulant found in drinks like coffee, tea, and soda. Increases alertness by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine

Cocaine

a powerful and addictive stimulant, derived from the coca plant, producing temporarily increased alertness and euphoria

Depressants

drugs (such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates) that reduce neural activity, increase sedations, and slow body functions

Alcohol

Depressant that slows neural activity in the CNS. Impaires judgement, leads to relaxation, and can be intoxicating at higher doses.

Hallucinogens

psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input

Marijuana (THC)

a mild hallucinogen causing enhanced sensation, relief of pain, distortion of time, relaxation, but could adversely cause disrupted memory or lung damage from smoke

Opioids

Psychoactive drugs that create a sense of pain relief, euphoria, and sedation.

Heroin

Opioid that gives a rush of euphoria and relief by binding opioid receptors in the body

Tolerance

the diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug's effect

Withdrawal

the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug

Addiction

compulsive drug craving and use, despite adverse consequences