lecture recording on 11 February 2025 at 22.00.09 PM

Overview of Consciousness and Altered States

• Definition of Consciousness: Awareness of oneself and the environment.

• States of Consciousness: Includes both waking states and states that may alter awareness, such as sleep and drug effects.

• Focus on Driving and Multitasking: Situations where awareness is divided, e.g., driving while talking on the phone.

Effects of Drugs on Consciousness

• Drugs can significantly alter states of consciousness, but this discussion won't include comas or other extreme states.

• Different drugs influence awareness and responsiveness.

Awareness in Everyday Life

• Even while sleeping, there is some level of awareness.

• Dual Awareness: The challenge of being aware of two things at once (e.g., conversation and driving).

  • Example: Lane drifting while distracted.

• Self-Perception of Impairment: People often believe others are more affected by distractions than themselves.

Impact of Phone Use on Driving

• Cognitive Load: Talking on the phone decreases focus on driving tasks.

  • Brain areas related to movement and perception deactivate.

• Hands-Free Devices: The misconception that hands-free eliminates the distraction of phone use.

• Types of Conversations:

  • Simple conversations don't significantly impact driving.

  • Complex conversations (e.g., math problems) can be highly distracting.

• Passenger vs. Phone Conversations:

  • Passengers can perceive and react to driving conditions, unlike people on the phone.

  • Young driver restrictions due to increased accident risks from peer distractions.

Importance of Attention during Driving

• Driving is primarily an automatic task, but attention is crucial during critical moments.

• Cognitive Complacency: Previous safe driving experiences can lead to underestimating risks.

• Seatbelt Analogy: Using seatbelts is essential during unexpected, critical moments.

• Texting while driving leads to severe accidents, with expert texters also at risk.

• Visual vs. Auditory Processing: Listening to audiobooks is safer than watching videos while driving.

Multitasking Limits

• Automatic Tasks: Walking and chewing gum can be performed simultaneously.

  • Tasks not requiring cognitive effort can be combined, while cognitively demanding tasks can interfere with each other.

• The cost of switching tasks affects performance negatively.

  • Focus in distinct periods, followed by breaks, yields better outcomes.

Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

• Circadian Rhythm Definition: Biological processes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, responsive to light conditions.

• Suprachiasmatic Nucleus: A brain region regulating sleep-wake cycles through melatonin production.

• Melatonin: Promotes sleepiness, with production decreased by exposure to light.

  • Supplements can help with jet lag if natural melatonin levels are insufficient.

Hormonal Changes During Sleep

• Growth Hormone: Secreted primarily during sleep, influencing body restoration.

• Cortisol: Stress hormone secreted in the morning, peaks shortly before waking.

Sleep Measurement and Stages

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Tool to measure brain wave activity during sleep, showing different stages:

  • Beta Waves: Indicate alertness and wakefulness.

  • Alpha Waves: Occur as one transitions into sleep (hypnagogic state).

  • Stage One Sleep: Lasts about 5-7 minutes; light sleep state.

  • Stage Two Sleep: Lasts around 20 minutes; characterized by sleep spindles and K-complexes.