Sac 3 - Conciousness Flashcards
(91 cards)
1
Q
What is consciousness?
A
The awareness of our thoughts, feelings and our environment at any moment in time. This includes being personal, selective, continuous and changing.
2
Q
Normal waking consciousness (NWC)
A
A state of clear, organised alertness to internal and external stimuli. This state of consciousness is at the high end of the continuum and we spend most of our lives in it (2 thirds).
3
Q
Normal waking consciousness psychological characteristics
A
- Moderate to high levels of awareness
- Good memory and cognitive abilities
- Focused attention on specific tasks
- An accurate perception of reality
- Appropriate emotions
- A degree of self-control
- An accurate perception of time and sensations
4
Q
Altered states of consciousness (ASC)
A
Any state characteristically different from NWC in terms of awareness, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. We spend about a third of our day in ASC.
5
Q
Altered states of consciousness characteristics (opposite of NWC)
A
- Low levels of awareness
- Memory difficulties and reduced cognitive abilities
- Difficulty paying attention to specific tasks
- Distorted perception of reality, such as delusions
- Inappropriate or uncharacteristic emotions
- A lack of self-control
- Difficulty in accurately perceiving time and sensations
6
Q
Naturally occuring ASCs
A
Involves physiological and psychological changes that occur automatically and are produced spontaneously beyond our conscious control. Includes sleep, dreaming, daydreaming and even psychosis.
7
Q
Induced ASCs
A
Involves physiological and psychological changes that have been intentionally produced. Eg- Taking drugs
8
Q
Consciousness continuum (High-Low)
A
NWC:
- Total awareness
- Selective attention
- Controlled processes
- Divided attention
- Automatic processes
ASC:
- Daydreaming
- Meditation
- Hypnosis
- Light sleep
- Deep sleep
- Anaesthesia
- Coma
- Complete lack of awareness
9
Q
Electroencephalograph (EEG)
A
Device used by researchers to detect, amplify and record the brain’s electrical activity measured in the form of brainwaves.
10
Q
Frequency
A
Refers to the number of brainwaves per second.
11
Q
Amplitude
A
Measured by the size of the peaks and troughs in brain activity.
12
Q
Types of brainwaves
A
- Beta
- Alpha
- Theta
- Delta
13
Q
Electrooculograph (EOG)
A
Device used by researchers to detect, amplify and record the electrical activity of the muscles surrounding the eyes as they move or rotate in their sockets. REM - high as eyes move rapidly. NREM- low as eyes have little to no movement.
14
Q
Electromyograph (EMG)
A
Device used by researchers to detect, amplify and record the electrical activity created by active, skeletal muscles on a continuously moving chart paper.
15
Q
Sleep diaries
A
A log of subjective, behavioural and psychological experiences surrounding a persons sleep.
16
Q
Video monitoring
A
Used to record and analyse any observable disturbances in their sleep.
17
Q
Psychometric vigilance test (PVT)
A
A common way to measure speed and accuracy on cognitive tasks when a person is in an ASC is throught the use of PTV and is the most widely used test to measure behavioural alertness.
18
Q
Controlled processes
A
Actions that require a high level of conscious awareness, attention and mental effort.
19
Q
Selective attention
A
Attending to a particular stimulus while ignoring others; it requires a high level of awareness.
20
Q
Awareness
A
During NWC, you have a high level of awareness of internal and external stimuli. However, during an ASC, awareness is greatly reduced.
21
Q
Automatic processes
A
Actions that require little conscious mental effort or awareness, and do not interfere with performance on other activities.
22
Q
Divided attention
A
When an individual stimultaneously focuses on two or more stimuli, or simultaneously undertakes two or more tasks.
23
Q
Differences in NWC and ASC (Awareness)
A
NWC: high awareness of internal and external environments, able to complete controlled and automatic processes
ASC: low, limited ability
24
Q
Differences in NWC and ASC (Attention)
A
NWC: selective attention on specific stimuli, able to divide attention between two tasks
ASC: low levels of ability to attend stimuli
25
Differences in NWC and ASC (Content limitations)
NWC: able to control thoughts, able to process many different pieces of info at the same time
ASC: unable to block unacceptance, amount of info processed is limited
26
Differences in NWC and ASC (Sensations and perception)
NWC: able to accurately perceive the world, experience sensations that are real
ASC: experience distorted perceptions, reduces or heightens the experience of pain
27
Differences in NWC and ASC (Cognition)
NWC: able to think logically and clearly, able to memorise and recall information accurately
ASC: experience illogical thoughts, unable to remember info accurately
28
Differences in NWC and ASC (Emotions)
NWC: experience emotions that are appropriate
ASC: emotions not appropriately expressed
29
Differences in NWC and ASC (Self-control)
NWC: able to coordinate a sequence of movements
ASC: unable, loss of inhibitions
30
Differences in NWC and ASC (Perception of time)
NWC: able to fairly accurately perceive the amount of time that has passed
ASC: unable
31
Drug-induced ASCs (Psychoactive drugs)
Any class of drug that alters the brain's chemistry and subsequently changes a person's perceptions, thoughts and behaviours. Affective at altering consciousness because they cross the blood-brain barrier.
32
Stimulants
A group of drugs that elevate mood, increase alertness and reduce fatigue. Includes caffeine, nicotine, cocaine and amphetamines/methamphetamines.
33
Depressants
A class of drug that calms neural activity and slows down bodily functions. Includes alcohol, cannabis, opioids and benzodiazepines/barbiturates.
34
Sleep deprivation
Going without or not getting sufficient amounts of sleep.
35
Partial sleep deprivation
When a person does not get the recommended hours of sleep per night for their age group.
36
Total sleep deprivation
When a person goes without sleep all together
37
Microsleeps
Short periods where the individual appears to be awake- their eyes may even be open however, brainwave patterns indicate they're asleep.
38
REM rebound
When a person who has been deprived of REM sleep later 'compensates' by having extra amounts of REM than what they normally would in a typical nights sleep.
39
Effects of alcohol on cognition
- Inability to problem solve
- Impaired logic and reasoning
- Impaired memory ability
40
Effects of alcohol on concentration
Decline
41
Effects of alcohol on mood
Exaggerated and intensified
42
What is sleep?
An altered state of consciousness that features the suspension of awareness of the external environment and is accompanied by a number of physiological changes to the body.
43
Stage 1 NREM sleep
Brainwave activity: alpha, some theta
Frequency: decreases
Amplitude: increases
Physiological signs: hypnic jerk, less alert, heart rate d.c, muscle tension d.c, eyes roll a little
Ease of waking: easy
Other details: lasts 5-7 mins, light sleep
44
Stage 2 NREM sleep
Brainwave activity: theta
Frequency: decreases
Amplitude: increases
Physiological signs: body more relaxed, regular breathing, body temp d.c, blood pressure d.c, heart rate d.c
Ease of waking: pretty easy
Other details: lasts 20 mins, K-complex, truely asleep, sleep spindle
45
Stage 3 NREM sleep
Brainwave activity: theta, delta (<50%)
Frequency: low
Amplitude: high
Physiological signs: slow/steady breathing, body temp d.c, blood pressure d.c, relaxed muscles
Ease of waking: difficult
Other details: lasts 30 mins, moderate-deep sleep, sleep talking/walking, night terror
46
Stage 4 NREM sleep
Brainwave activity: theta, delta (<50%)
Frequency: very low
Amplitude: high
Physiological signs: slow/steady breathing, body temp d.c, blood pressure d.c, relaxed muscles
Ease of waking: very difficult
Other details: lasts 20-30 mins, deep sleep, sleep inertia
47
REM sleep
```
Brainwave activity: beta
Frequency: high
Amplitude: low
Physiological signs: blood pressure i.c, heart beats fast, eyes move, muscle attonia (paralysis)
Ease of waking: difficult
Other details: dreaming
```
48
Dreams
A series of images, thoughts and emotions that passes through the mind during sleep
49
Paradoxical sleep
Occurs during REM sleep where physiologically a lack of muscle tone is experienced and the body is still and relaxed, but cortically the brain is active and alert
50
REM behaviour disorder
Failure of the muscle paralysis that occurs during REM sleep
51
Biological rhythms
Cyclical natural rhythms our body follows in order to perform a variety of functions. Eg:
- Sleep-wake cycle
- Body temp changes
- Endocrine activity
- Levels of alertness
- The menstrual cycle
52
Circadian rhythms
Regular automatic physiological changes that are biological processes that roughly follow a 24 hour cycle
53
Ultradian rhythms
Biological rhythms that follow a cycle of less than 24 hours. Eg: eyeblinks, heartbeats and sleep patterns
54
Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
Cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus situated directly above the optic chiasm that receives information about the intensity and duration of light from the retina via the optic nerve; which it uses to regulate the body's circadian rhythms associated with the sleep-wake cycle.
55
Restoration theory
Suggests that sleep is vital for replenishing and revitalising the physiological and psychological resources depleted by our waking activities, therefore sleep keeps the mind and body functioning at optimal level. (restoring, repairing and revitalising)
56
Evolutionary theory
Suggests that we undertake periods of inactivity, or sleep, when we do not need to engage in activities that are important to our survival.
57
Sleep across the lifespan (Newborn)
16hrs, 50% REM, 50% NREM
58
Sleep across the lifespan (Child)
10-11hrs, 75-80% REM, 20-25% NREM
59
Sleep across the lifespan (Adolescent)
9hrs, 80% REM, 20% NREM
60
Sleep across the lifespan (Adult)
7-8hrs, 80% REM, 20% NREM
61
Sleep across the lifespan (Elderly)
6-7hrs, 80% REM, 20% NREM
62
Sleep disorders
A group of syndromes characterised by a disturbance in a person's amount, quality or timing of sleep, or in behaviours or physiological conditions associated with sleep.
63
Pineal gland
A gland in the centre of the brain that secretes melatonin and helps regulate body rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.
64
Melatonin
A hormone secreted by the pineal gland that causes drowsiness and helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
65
Circadian phase disorder
Results from disruptions to a persons circadian rhythms that cause them to operate out of alignment with rhythms in the external environment, particularly the natural night-day cycle.
66
Effects of circadian phase disorder
Daytime effects:
- excessive tiredness
- lethargy
- difficulty following schedules
- difficulty learning
- mood swings and decreased emotional control
Nighttime effects:
- difficulty falling asleep at required time
- difficulty maintaining sleep for desired time
- waking frequently
67
Treatment for circadian phase disorder
Aimed at 'resynchronising' a person's circadian rhythms to their desired sleep schedule, so properly timed light exposure is essential.
68
Sleep- wake shifts in adolescence
The sleep-wake shift results in a sleep phase delay. A sleep-wake shift cycle changes in how sleep is initiated and maintained as well as the percentage of time spent in each stage of sleep.
69
Effects of the adolescence sleep-wake shift
Reduced REM sleep does not allow mental processes to be fully revitalised and restored. During REM sleep the brain consolidates the information that has been learnt during the day. Also a lack of adequate NREM sleep impedes the body's ability to repair itself and strengthen the immune system and build bone and muscle tissue.
70
Delayed sleep phase disorder
A disorder of sleep timing in which a person's sleep-wake cycle is routinely delayed by 2hrs or more from a normal sleep pattern, causing a person to go to sleep later and wake later.
71
Typical effects of partial sleep deprivation (Affective functioning)
- mood swings
- increase in negative emotions
- irritability
- reduced motivation
- easily bored
- reduced empathy towards others
- inability to cope with stress
72
Typical effects of partial sleep deprivation (Cognitive functioning)
- memory lapses
- difficulty maintaining attention and concentration
- difficulty processing information
- difficulty thinking logically and problem-solving
- reduced creativity
- distorted perceptions
- poor decision-making
- slowed reaction rate
- reduced spacial awareness
73
Typical effects of partial sleep deprivation (Behavioural functioning)
- difficulty completing routine tasks
- reduced ability to access risks
- increase in risk-taking behaviours
- reduced ability to perform fine motor tasks and an increase in clumsiness
74
Typical effects of partial sleep deprivation (Physical functioning)
- lack of energy
- extreme tiredness
- trembling hands
- drooping eyelids
- staring and inability to focus on the eyes
- increased sensitivity to pain
- headaches
- slowed reflexes
75
Sleep-deprivation psychosis
A major disruption of mental and emotional functioning brought on by lack of sleep, and has symptoms such as confusion and disorientation.
76
Dysomnias
A group of sleep disorders characterised by disturbances of normal sleep pattern, including quality, amount and timing of sleep.
77
Cataplexy
A sudden temporary muscle paralysis that leads to falling down; where someone is totally paralysed but fully conscious.
78
Insomnia
A sleep disorder characterised by the inability to fall asleep, frequent night-time waking, waking too early, or a combination of these, which results in sleep deprivation.
79
Sleep-onset insomnia
A sleep disorder characterised by an inability to fall asleep at the beginning of the night, or at the point of normal 'sleep onset'.
80
Causes of sleep-onset insomnia
Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression and excitement can lead to insomnia.
81
Treatment of sleep-onset insomnia
- medication to help a person fall asleep and stay asleep
- over the counter sleeping aids
- behavioural therapy
- herbal/tea therapies
- regular physical exercise
- developing a regular sleep routine and avoiding stimulants
82
Parasomnias
A group of sleep disorders characterised by abnormal movements, behaviours, emotions, perceptions or dreams that occur while falling asleep, at any point in the sleep cycle or on waking from sleep.
83
Sleepwalking
A sleep disorder that occurs when a sleeping person walks and sometimes does routine tasks or activities, often when in deep non-REM sleep.
84
Sleepwalking causes and treatments
Sleepwalking is most common in children, particularly (5-12). The cause is unknown but fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress and anxiety are all thought to be contributing factors.
85
Cognitive behavioural therapy
A type of psychotherapy that uses a range of cognitive and behavioural therapies and learning principles to help people change unhelpful or unhealthy thought processes, feelings and behaviour.
86
Cognitive behavioural therapy (Cognitive component)
Focuses on correcting faulty cognitions or beliefs the person may have about sleep that may affect their sleeping behaviour.
87
Cognitive behavioural therapy (Behavioural component)
Focuses on identifying any negative or maladaptive behaviours they may have developed in response to their faulty cognitions, which hinder their ability to sleep.
88
Bright light therapy
A treatment for circadian phase disorder that exposes people to intense but safe amounts of artificial light for a specific and regular length of time to help synchronise their sleep-wake cycle with normal external day-night cycle.
89
Lauren Could Catch A PEST (NWC and ASC)
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Level of awareness
Content limitations
Cognitive distortions
Attention
Perceptual distortions
Emotional awareness
Self control
Time orientation
```
90
Common CBT techniques for insomnia
- stimulus control therapy
- sleep restriction therapy
- sleep hygiene
- relaxation training
- sleep environment improvement
91
Brainwaves through stages
S1 - Alpha/Theta
S2- Theta
S3- Theta/Delta
S4- Delta
