Chapter 5 psych 1 online stud 10.11

Chapter 5

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States of Consciousness

What Is Consciousness?Awareness? Aware of what?Why is it like a stream? Changes from normal consciousness are known as altered states of consciousness.

The Rhythms of LifeChronobiology – the study of biological rhythmsCircadian rhythms are biological changes that occur on a daily schedule, including the sleep-wake cycle and the body temperature cycle.

Rhythm of Body TemperatureCircadian rhythms are controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which is located in the hypothalamus and acts as an internal clock. Levels of a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, melatonin, are affected by light and darkness; thus melatonin may play a role in controlling biological rhythms.

The Rhythms of LifeBy isolating volunteers in an environment without time cues, researchers have found the free-running sleep-wake cycle extends to about 25 hours. To correspond to the 24-hour day, the cycle must be reset every day by external cues, especially sunlight.Jet travel and shift work can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. The symptoms of Jet leg result from the difference between our internal clock and the time in our environment. It is easier to adapt to phase delays (east-west travel) than to phase advances (west-east travel). Rotating shifts can be improved by using a clockwise rotation (days to evenings to nights), which involves a series of phase delays. 4-5

The Study of SleepA sleep cycle lasts approximately 90 minutes and starts with non-REM (NREM) sleep. We descend through NREM Stages I to 4 and then ascend through them to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

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The Study of SleepThe average adult repeats this cycle about four to six times each night.Sleep decreases from about 16 hours at birth to about 7 to 8 hours in young adulthood, with little change thereafter.

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The Study of SleepSleep efficiency (time in bed actually asleep) is lower among elderly people, who experience less slow-wave sleep and spend increased time in the lighter stages of sleep. Naps

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The Study of SleepInfants spend about 50% of their sleep in REM, perhaps to provide stimulation needed for brain development. Sleep may have evolved to fill time, but the amount of sleep in each species depends on vulnerability to predators and the need to find food.

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The Study of SleepMost cases of insomnia are of short duration. Sleeping pills have limited usefulness and should be used with care. The stimulus control method is an effective treatment for sleep onset insomnia.

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Hypersomnias

Narcolepsy Sleep apnea

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ParasomniasEnuresis (bedwetting) Sleepwalking Sleep terrorsREM sleep behavior disorderNightmares are bad dreams SIDS

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HypnosisHistory• 18th century• Franz Anton Mesmer claimed power

to reestablish magnetic equilibrium in bodies of his patients

• Social interaction in which one person, designated subject, responds to suggestions offered by another person, designated hypnotist, for experiences involving alterations in perception, memory, and voluntary action

Hypnosis•Hypnotically refreshed memories?

•Positive and negative hallucinations?

•Age regression and past-life regression

Altering Consciousness with Drugs

Psychoactive substances


Substance abuse?

Substance dependenc

e?


Tolerance?


Withdrawal•Symptoms?


Depressants• Slow functioning of CNS• Alcohol, barbiturates, and the benzodiazepines.


Alcohol• Most widely used

psychoactive substance in United States and throughout world

• Associated with range of medical and mental health problems

Fun facts about alcohol!

• Energy, but no nutrients

• Slows rate at which fat burns

• Likely to deposit unburned fat on hips, thighs, and stomach

Altering Consciousness with DrugsAlcohol• Metabolism rate• BAC• Legal definition of

intoxication • CNS inhibitor

BAC


Long-term

consequences

Delirium tremens

(DTs) Korsakoff’s syndrome


Barbiturates

Depress CNS

functioning

Effects range from mild

sedation to coma

High doses can lead to serious withdrawal

symptoms, including life-threatening convulsions

“Downers”


Benzodiazepines• Used in treatment

of sleep-related difficulties, anxiety and agitation, and muscle relaxation


Stimulants

Speed up CNS activity

Mimic body’s reaction to

stress(Inc bp and respiration)

Stimulate release of

neurotransmitters dopamine

and norepinephrine

Amphetamines; “Uppers” or “speed”

Suppress appetite


Amphetamines: Low to

moderate doses

• Increase alertness

• Elevate mood• Reduce

appetite and need for sleep

• Induce euphoria

Amphetamines: Larger doses

• Cause irritability and anxiety

• Induce serious reaction indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenia


Cocaine

Extracted from leaves of coca plant

(Peru, Bolivia,

Middle East

Most potent stimulant of

natural origin? Short and

intense high makes it

especially addictive


MethamphetamineMeth, crystal, speed, iceStimulantmost dangerous?Snorted, smoked, or injected


Ecstasy• Methylenedioxymeth

amphetamine (MDMA)

• Synthetic substance can be manufactured from readily available materials

• Also known as XTC, Adam, MDM, hug, beans, and love drug

High doses• Can interfere with

body’s ability to regulate temperature


Caffeine• most widely-

used stimulant • Found in

chocolate (usually very little), beverages, some nonprescription drugs

Nicotine• Stimulant• Potent;

activates brain, heart, and nervous system


Opiates or opioi

ds

Naturally occurring or

synthetic drugs with properties similar to

opium

Narcotic analgesics or

narcotics

Morphine, codeine, and

heroin Produce

analgesia and sleepiness

Highly addictive and

potentially dangerous

Altering Consciousness with DrugsHallucinogens

• Often natural compounds; some produced in lab

• Changes perception, thought, emotions, self-awareness

• time and space distortions, and symptoms similar to those found in severe psychological disorders

(Next)


Marijuana effects• Increase heart rate; bloodshot eyes

•Attention, memory, and coordination

Education

Chapter 5 psych 1 online stud 10.11