Variations in Consciousness Chapter 5 Variations in Consciousness

On The Nature of Consciousness

Consciousness What is it? The awareness of internal and external stimuli Your awareness of external events Your awareness of your internal sensations Your awareness of your self as the unique being having these experiences Your awareness of your thoughts about these experiences PERSONAL AWARENESS

Variations in Levels of Awareness William James (remember him?) talked about the stream of consciousness Sigmund Freud (I hope you remember him) argued that people’s feelings and behaviors are influenced by what lies beneath the surface of conscious awareness Stream of consciousness has depth (differing levels)

Some stimuli penetrate awareness, despite what we think! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1UmLU4TbcY (under surgery) Newborn parents They can ignore trains and thunderstorms, but wake up for a baby’s cry Which means- some mental processes are still occurring even when we think they aren’t!

The Evolutionary Roots of Consciousness Long story short: Consciousness must have developed because it helped our ancestors to survive and reproduce, but we aren’t exactly sure how! 1) allowed us to think through our actions? (possibly)

Consciousness and Brain Activity Consciousness arises from activity in the neural pathways (NOT the brain) We measure this with EEG (electro-encephalograph)- device that monitors the electrical activity of the brain over time by means of recording electrodes attached to the surface of the scalp

Summarizes the rhythm of cortical activity in the brain in terms of line tracings called brain waves Amplitude and frequency (cps) EEG pattern Frequency (cps) Typical States of Consciousness Beta 13-24 Normal waking thought, alert problem solving Alpha 8-12 Deep relaxation, blank mind, meditation Theta 4-7 Light sleep Delta Less than 4 Deep sleep

Biological Rhythms and Sleep

Biological Rhythms and Sleep Variations in consciousness are shaped in part by biological rhythms Range from light/dark, seasons, and even phases of the moon (are we werewolves?) Biological rhythms are periodic fluctuations in physiological functioning

Role of Circadian Rhythms Circadian Rhythms are the 24 hr biological cycles found in humans and many other species Extremely influential in the regulation of sleep Blood pressure, urine production, hormonal secretions, and other physical functions Body temperature varies rhythmically in daily cycles Body temp drops as you fall asleep Body temp rises as you wake up

Optimal time for sleep varies by person There may be ideal bedtimes! Sleep quality is strongly correlated with health and well-being than sheer quantity of sleep Researchers have looked at people who have rotating shifts Work with lightness/darkness on adjusting biological clocks Suprachiasmatic nucleus (in your hypothalamus) gets info from your retina, and sends it to your pineal glands who deals with melatonin and adjusting the biological clock

Jet Lag- when stuff gets out of sink! Poor quality as well as difficulty falling asleep Fatigue, sluggishness, and irritable Readjustment takes about one day for each time zone Easier to go West than East Rotating work schedules Negative effect on productivity Quality of social relations Physical and mental health Increased risk for cardiovascular problems Irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, increased risk of premature birth

Realigning Circadian Rhythms Small doses of melatonin can help regulate the clock and help reduce jet lag, however it is very tricky! Carefully timed exposures to light Carefully planned rotations also helped