States of Consciousness

Altered States of Consciousness

Seizures: Can induce an altered state, affecting consciousness significantly.
Mental Conditions: Conditions like bipolar disorder lead to altered states, although not typically categorized as traditional altered states.
Medications: Certain medications, particularly those that are abusable, can alter states of consciousness.
Sleepwalking: Is an altered state, where the individual appears awake but is not fully aware of their surroundings.

Trauma Effects: Both physical (e.g., head injury) and psychological trauma can affect consciousness.
Metabolism Variations: Body functions, metabolism, and alertness fluctuate throughout the day—alertness and body temperature are typically lower at night.
Body Temperature: Lowest at night during sleep, which can cause confusion when measuring temperature for fever.
Hormones: Hormone levels like melatonin also fluctuate, regulating sleep cycles. Caution advised with melatonin supplements.

Night Shift Work: Adjusting to a night shift can lead to chronic fatigue and discomfort. Many find it hard to adjust to irregular sleep patterns and often feel tired regardless of sleep duration.
Personal Experiences: Anecdotes about the difficulties faced by individuals working night shifts—including physical pain and fatigue.

Non-REM Sleep Stages: Sleep is characterized by four non-REM stages, cycling every 90 minutes across a night's rest.
- Stage 1: Light sleep, easily awakened, associated with hypnic jerks.
- Stage 5 (REM sleep): Major dreaming occurs here; paralysis protects from acting out dreams.

True or False Quiz: Engaging exercise to address common beliefs about sleep, such as:
- You cannot learn/function normally with less sleep.
- Everyone dreams nightly (most people do).
- Snoring is not harmful unless it disrupts sleep.
- Sleep disorders often relate to worry or psychological issues.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, cognitive decline, and hallucinations if prolonged.
Psychological Impacts: Sleep deprivation affects daily functioning, relationships, and overall mental health.

Variation in Sleep Requirements: Individual sleep needs vary—some people feel rested with less sleep, while others need more.
Impact of Lifestyle: Modern life often demands all hours of work and responsibility, leading many to neglect sufficient sleep.
Need for Awareness: Recognizing sleep needs is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being.