Discussion on the topic of consciousness and its varying states.
Consciousness: Awareness level of one's surroundings and internal thoughts/feelings.
Consists of awareness from external stimuli or internal sensations.
Creates levels of arousal, which can be non-sexual and range from low to high.
Arousal can involve:
Fear (need to escape from a threat).
Motivation and inspiration (drawn towards something).
Arousal levels can fluctuate throughout the day, regulated by the reticular activating system.
Example: Caffeine
Acts on the reticular activating system to elevate arousal without providing energy.
Long-term caffeine use can lead to habituation and decreased sensitivity.
High Level Consciousness: Deep focus and engagement (e.g., problem-solving).
Example: Completing a crossword puzzle while at a hair salon.
Associated with executive function and attention to the environment.
Low Level Consciousness: Autopilot mode, less active engagement.
Activities like doing dishes, listening to a podcast, or daydreaming.
Less awareness of the environment, leading to missing critical information.
Altered States of Consciousness: Awake but experiencing different perceptions.
Example: Effects of drugs (caffeine, cannabis, alcohol).
Can include fatigue or conditions like the hypnagogic state, where one is in-between wakefulness and sleep.
Trauma can also induce altered states (e.g., blocking memories).
Meditation and hypnosis as examples of altered states.
Subconscious Awareness: Processing information without full realization or focus on it.
Example: Seeing an image with dual meanings (faces or a vase).
No Awareness: Complete unawareness of certain memories or experiences.
Example: Repressed childhood memories affecting adult behavior.
Different brain waves correlate with levels of consciousness:
Beta waves: High-level thinking and focus.
Alpha waves: Relaxation, transitioning to sleep.
Sleep stages: Stage 1 to 4 transitioning into REM sleep for dreaming.
Divided Consciousness: Paying attention to two different stimuli simultaneously.
Example: Listening to a professor while drawing, where tasks are distinct.
Shifted Consciousness: Transitioning between two compatible stimuli.
Example: Driving while texting; focusing alternates between tasks and can be dangerous.
Seasonal Biological Rhythms: Energy levels changing with seasons.
Winter: Need for more sleep due to increased melatonin.
Summer: Increased hunger influenced by ghrelin hormone due to food availability.
Circadian Rhythm: Daily cycles affecting arousal and energy levels (90-minute cycles).
Jet lag effects from shifts in time zones; melatonin or bright light may help reset.
Provides safety, energy restoration, and brain plasticity.
Stage of Sleep: Importance of stage 3 and 4 for restoring energy and enhancing cognitive abilities.
Use of technology: Mention of wearables like Oura ring for tracking sleep and promoting health awareness.