STATES OF MINDChapter 3

What is Consciousness?

our awareness of internal and external stimulation

How do we study consciousness?

Cognitive Neuroscience—Used many different fields of psychologists to implement technology in the study of the consciousness. Results: MRI, PET, EEG, CT

Function & Structure of Consciousness

1. Consciousness helps our brains from being overwhelmed by stimulation.

2. Consciousness is an interpretation of the world.

Function & Structure of Consciousness

3. Consciousness helps us make a mental record of the most meaningful elements in our lives.

4. Consciousness allows us to draw on lessons stored in memory.

Levels of Consciousness - Preconsciousness—Fond

memories that are cued to their recall.

- Subconscious— information stored into memory without being consciously attended to

Levels of Consciousness

- The Unconscious—Desires & emotions, that if they existed at a conscious level, would cause extreme behaviors and anxiety (Freudian Theory)

- Nonconscious—Information processed in the brain, but not represented in the consciousness or memory (breathing, blood pressure, etc.)

What are the Cycles of Everyday Consciousness?

Consciousness changes in cycles that normally correspond to our biological rhythms and to the patterns of our environment

Circadian Rhythms

Natural bodily pattern that repeats about every 24 hrs

Can change based on exposure to light and darkness

Jet lag can cause a disruption in our internal clock

Daydreaming

Mild consciousness alteration where attention shifts to memories, expectations, desires, or fantasies away from the immediate situation.

Daydreaming

Most people daydream every day Young adults report the most

frequent daydreams (amount declines with age)

Not as vivid as our dreams at night

Sleep and Dreaming

Sleep CycleBRAIN POP!1. Every 90 minutes we enter a REM period•Dreaming takes place•Voluntary Muscles are immobile or paralyzed which is known as sleep paralysis •Sleep paralysis keeps us from acting out our dreams

2. The sleep in between is known as Non-REM•Sleepwalking•Sleeptalking

Sleep Cycle

Sleep Cycle3. Most people go through the cycle 4-6 times 4. REM gets longer as the sleep cycle continues•10 minutes the first cycle but up to one hour the last cycle

Need for Sleep Most adults need anywhere from 6-9

hrs a night Most adults get less sleep

repeatedly creating a SLEEP DEBT

Function of Sleep

1) Conserve energy2) Restore itself

Need for Sleep

Your need for sleep depends on different factors: Genetic need for sleep Hormone melatonin Personality Age

How much sleep do you need? Answer the following questions

with a “yes” or “no”.

1) Do you often get sleepy in your classes?

2) D0 you sleep late on the weekends?

3)Do you usually get sleepy when you get bored?

How much sleep do you need? 4) Do you often fall asleep while

reading or watching tv? 5) Do you usually fall asleep while

within five minutes of going to bed?

6) Do you awake in the morning feeling that you are not rested?

7) Would you oversleep if you did not use an alarm clock to get you out of bed?

How much sleep do you need? If you answered “yes” to any of

these questions you are shorting yourself on sleep!

Sleep Disorders

Insomnia Sleep Apnea Narcolepsy

Insomnia The most common sleep disorder

(1/3 of adult population!) When people are not satisfied with

the amt. of sleep they get Symptoms: inability to fall asleep,

waking up throughout the night, waking up early in the morning

Common for people occasionally but treatable with medication

Sleep Apnea Involves problems in the upper

respiratory tract which interferes with breathing during sleep

Result: body awakens due to a stop in breathing

SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome) can result from this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EHI3GqfaeE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpPH2sMob7U&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

Narcolepsy & Cataplexy Sudden daytime sleep attacks

without warning Often accompanied by cataplexy-

sudden loss of muscle control Research shows that they have

abnormal REM sleep cycles (sleep paralysis is mimicking cataplexy)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MBCeKn0Oeo&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

Why we dream…

Some scientists think that dreams are meaningful mental events, reflect cognitive needs or important events

Other argue that dreams are the brains random activity during sleep and have no special meaning

Things that can alter our consciousness:

Hypnosis Meditation Psychoactive Drugs

Hypnosis

An induced altered state of awareness, characterized by deep relaxation and focused attention

Uses for Hypnosis: Pain control Desensitizing phobias Addictions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ry

Np5qpsU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvmC

tssznbY&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

Meditation

Form of consciousness changed by inducing focus on a repetitive behavior, assuming certain body positions, and minimizing external stimulation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcz5gXMK-ek

Psychoactive Drugs Chemicals that affect mental

processes and behavior Impair parts of the brain that typically

help us make good decisions Attractive because they stimulate the

brains “reward circuits” Hallucinogens Opiates Depressants Stimulants

hallucinogens Produce changes in consciousness by altering

perception of the external environment and inner awareness Create hallucinations and blur the boundary between

self and external world Commonly used hallucinogens:

Mescaline, psilocybin, LSD, PCP Cannabis is classified as a hallucinogen because of

the active ingredient THC Medical uses: PCP for veterinary anesthetic,

cannabis for nausea from chemo Psychological effects: fear, anxiety, confusion,

motor coordination impaired, memory loss, Lower potential for physical dependency

Opiates

Derivatives of the opium poppy Suppress physical sensation and

response to stimulation Common opiates:

Morphine, heroin, codeine Medical uses: Morphine and Codeine

used as painkiller and cough suppressant Highly addictive!!-addiction builds and

users are forced to up their dosage to satisfy craving

Depressants

Slow down the mental and physical activity of the body by inhibiting central nervous system activity Impair reflexes and judgment

Common depressants: Barbiturates (sedatives), benzodiazepines

(antianxiety), alcohol Alcohol elicits a variety of reactions

ranging from being friendly to depressed. Physical and psychological dependency often

begins with binge drinking

stimulants

Increase central nervous system activity Speed up both mental and physical rates of

activity and enhance attention Medically used to treat sleep disorders and

ADHD Recreational use: amphetamines and

cocaine Seek intense pleasurable sensations, increased

self-confidence, greater energy and alertness and euphoria

Also experience frightening hallucinations, and paranoid delusions

Stimulants continued

Caffeine and nicotine Affect heart, blood circulation, and

efficiency of the brain Both addictive

Yoga Expectations

Everyone should participate No one is an expert! None of us will be

good! No negative comments Dress Appropriately You will have a write up afterwards

about how this is connected to states of mind

If you have a mat at home- bring it! Extra Credit!!!