CONSCIOUSNESS

CONSCIOUSNESS

Did you know...World Record – Longest period of time a

human has intentionally gone without sleep (no stimulants)Randy Gardner (1964) 17-years old264 Hours (11 days)Held Press Conference on last day – spoke without

slurringHealth was monitored – negative cognitive &

behavioral changes were reportedAfter falling asleep – slept 14 hours, 40 minutes.

Facts

Although some people insist they NEVER dream, research suggests EVERYONE dreams during the night

In sleep labs, people wakened from REM periods report 80-100% were dreaming w/ vivid & colorful images (even bizarre)

Consciousness refers to different levels of awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings

• Alertness to nonalertness

• Not completely aware = altered state• i.e. sleep

FREUD’S LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

SLEEP

NREM NREM NREM NREM

REM sleep, a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, a high level of brain activity, a deep relaxation of the muscles and dreaming

This is the time when we will dream.

“Active sleep”

15 minutes (beginning of night) to 45 minutes (end of night)

Your voluntary muscles are paralyzed.

There are two (2) major types of sleep

NREM sleep. This stands for non-rapid eye movement and is the other type of sleep.

Where we spend the majority of our sleep time

Divided into 4 stages (first four)

Decreases in length as nights’ sleep progresses.

“Quiet sleep”

HOW MUCH SLEEP DO I NEED?

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T GET SLEEP?

• It can affect immune system• It can cause you to hallucinate• You will have less energy• Your cognitive performance can be affected

Texting and sleep

2010 Research – Average teen sends more than 100 texts per day

Major cause of sleep deprivation in teens

Texts may awaken you and decrease sleep

Playing games on your phone before bed can prevent sleep

Study showed that 77.5% of teens that text or surf web at night have trouble falling asleep

Can cause mood, behavior, and cognitive problems during the day including ADHD, anxiety, depression

CIRCADIAN RHYTHM

24-hour biological clock; genetically programmed; regulates physiological

responses

Disrupting the circadian rhythm causes problems

Sleep is regulated by environment/industrial clock, NOT your circadian rhythmPOTENTIAL PROBLEMS?

Problems that can result from disrupting the circadian clock

– Accidents (body prepared for sleep, trying to stay awake to drive, alertness decreases)– Jet lag

– illness

Your circadian rhythm for body temperature influences your sleep preferences

Treating Circadian Problems– Melatonin - supplements have been proven to help people sleep

DREAMSEverybody dreams

Often incorporate everyday activities into dreams

FREUD (Dream interpretation): Dreams have hidden meaning/reveal the unconscious

MANY DREAM THEORIES:• problem-solving theory• mental housecleaning/clean brain• extending waking life

Sleep DisordersDefinition Associated with

InsomniaFailure to get enough sleep at

night

Daytime - fatigue, impaired concentration, memory difficulty,

lack of well-being

Sleep Apnea

Repeated periods during sleep when a person stops breathing

Daytime - exhausted; chances of developing increases when overweight, use alcohol or

sedatives

Narcolepsy Suddenly falling asleep or feeling very sleepy during the day

Daytime – sleep attacks accompanied by REM sleep

NIGHTMARES & NIGHT TERRORS

Nightmares – unpleasant dreams occur during REM

Night terrors – sleep disruptions in stage IV; involve screaming, panic, confusion; often no memory of it

SLEEPWALKING

Most common in young children – will outgrow it

Linked to stress, fatigue, drug use

Sleep DisordersUsually troublesome but highly treatable

disorders - sleep is normal once it begins

Insomnia: sleeping less than one wishes to

Sleep-onset disorder - difficulty falling asleep when desired

Early-awakening insomnia – waking up too early or several times during night

Sleep Disorders

Narcolepsy – rare sleep disorder

Effects one-half of 1%, impact is quite serious

Person suddenly, unexpectedly falls asleep during any activity or event

Dream sleep but not REM sleep

Affects those getting adequate sleep

Sleep Disorders

Sleep apnea – sudden, temporary interruption of breathing during sleep

Interruptions last longer than 20 seconds

Common in overweight and older adults

Causation may be

Too much relaxation of throat muscles

Temporary cessation of brain signals for breathing

Altered States of Consciousness

Types of statesMeditation

During drug use

Moment of religious conversion

Unusual intense sexual orgasm

General characteristics– Distortions of

perception– Intense positive

emotions– Sense of unity– Illogical– Indescribable– Transcendent– Self-evident reality

Altered StatesMeditation

Roots in Buddhism

Many varieties of meditation

Simplest – relax, concentrate on breathing

Mantras – silent repetition of sounds or words with special meaning have calm effect

Transcendental state – achieved, desired altered state of consciousness

Natural remedy for stress-related problems

Altered States Mindfulness - focus awareness on present

Example: father concentrates on children, blocks out thoughts of work and other events

Mindfulness training may reduce mood disturbance during stressful experiences

Not all benefit from intense focusing on present

Psychologists have great interest in this

Altered StatesHypnosis

Hypnotist’s voice talks or lulls person into altered state of consciousness

Typical characteristics

Relaxation

Hypnotic hallucinations

Hypnotic analgesia

Hypnotic age regression

Hypnotic control

HYPNOSIS

state of consciousness resulting from a narrowed focus of attention and characterized by heightened suggestibility

USES:• entertainment• pain reduction• quit smoking

MEDITATION

The focusing of attention to clear one’s mind and produce relaxation

USES:• lower blood pressure, heart rate• benefits vary greatly

DRUGS & CONSCIOUSNESS

PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS: chemicals that affect the nervous system and result in altered states

Stimulants: elevate mood, increase energy & alertness• caffiene• cocaine• Meth

Depressants: slow down nervous system• alcohol• sleeping pills

Hallucinogens: change persons perception of reality• marijuana• LSD

MARIJUANA & ALCOHOL

Marijuana• the dried leaves and flowers of Indian hemp (cannabis sativa) that produce altered states of consciousness• effects vary from person to person, situation to situation• studies suggest more dangerous to lungs than cigarette• disrupts memory formation• psychological addiction?

Alcohol• can loosen inhibitions• despite stimulating effect is a depressant• Can cause brain and liver damage• underage drinking has actually decreased