ch07 (7)

Chapter Seven: States of Consciousness

Defining Consciousness

  • Key Areas:

    • Perception: Interpretation of sensory information.

    • Memory: Retention and recall of information.

    • Frontal Lobe: Involves working memory and attention.

    • Temporal Integration: Integrates sensory information over time.

    • Abstract Thinking: Higher-level cognitive processes.

    • Introspection: Examination of one's own thoughts.

    • Cognitive Flexibility: Ability to adapt thoughts and behaviors.

Levels of Awareness

  • Controlled Processes: Require maximum focus (e.g., studying).

  • Automatic Processes: Minimal attention required (e.g., walking & talking).

  • Subconscious Awareness: Below conscious awareness, includes subliminal perception.

  • Little or No Awareness: Unconscious mind influences behavior.

Circadian Rhythms

  • Definition: Biological changes on a 24-hour cycle, often dictated by light.

Disruptions of Biological Schedules

  • Factors:

    • Rotating shift work.

    • Jet Lag.

    • Sleep Deprivation.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

  • Consequences include:

    • Reduced cognitive and motor performance.

    • Increased irritability and mood changes.

    • Elevated cortisol levels.

    • Higher risk of illnesses (e.g., cancer, heart disease).

Scientific Study of Sleep

  • Awake: Low-voltage, high-frequency beta waves.

  • Drowsy: Prominent alpha waves.

  • Sleep Stages:

    • Stage 1: Theta waves.

    • Stage 2: Sleep spindles, mixed EEG.

    • Stage 3: Delta waves (deep sleep).

    • REM: Low-voltage, high-frequency waves.

REM and NREM Sleep

  • REM Sleep: High-frequency brain waves, paralysis of large muscles, associated with dreaming.

  • NREM Sleep: Stages 1-3 without rapid eye movements.

Why Do We Sleep?

  • Theories:

    • Adaptation/Protection: Conserves energy and offers protection.

    • Repair/Restoration: Recovery from daily activities.

    • Growth/Development: Deep sleep correlates with physical growth.

    • Learning/Memory: Sleep aids memory consolidation.

Why Do We Dream?

  • Theories:

    • Psychoanalytic: Dreams are wish fulfillments (manifest/latent content).

    • Biological: Random brain activity during sleep.

    • Cognitive: Processing and updating information through dreams.

Sleep-Wake Disorders

  • Types:

    • Insomnia: Difficulty falling/staying asleep.

    • Narcolepsy: Sudden sleep attacks.

    • Sleep Apnea: Breathing interruptions during sleep.

    • Nightmare Disorder: Disruptive bad dreams.

    • NREM Sleep Arousal Disorder: Abrupt awakening with panic.

Psychoactive Drugs

  • Definition: Substances altering mental processes, mood, perception.

Important Terms**

  • Addiction: Dependency due to tolerance and dependence.

  • Drug Abuse: Emotional/physical harm from drug use.

  • Psychological Dependence: Craving for drug effects.

More Terms**

  • Withdrawal: Pain and cravings post drug cessation.

  • Tolerance: Need for increased dosages for same effect.

  • Physical Dependence: Bodily changes necessitating drug use.

Types of Drugs**

  • Depressants: Decrease bodily processes (e.g., Alcohol).

  • Stimulants: Increase activity (e.g., Caffeine, Nicotine).

  • Opiates/Opioids: Pain relief (e.g., Heroin, Vicodin).