Consciousness & the Two-Track Mind

What is the difference between the brain and the mind? “The mind is what the brain does”

What is dual processing and the two track mind? Upper - Consciousness –Deliberate thought and action Lower - Unconscious –Automatic –Does most of the brain’s work “back stage” then moves it into our consciousness

Upper conscious Only completely focus on one task at a time E.g. Tap 4 times with left hand and 3 times with right (difficult)

Do you have selective attention? Cocktail party effect Driving and cell phone

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. What happens when I go to sleep? Ask yourself…

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. What is my circadian rhythm? 24 hour sleep cycle Changing from working nights to days Transpacific flight –Tokyo to Seattle –Going West to East is hardest Sun is moving East to West) Ask yourself…

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. Do you remember? What is the mind’s upper and lower track? What is your circadian rhythm?

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. What does your brain do during sleep? Electrical brain waves –Alpha waves –REM sleep –Sleep spindles –Delta waves

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. Brain Waves During Sleep Alpha waves –Awake & relaxed Transition (Stage 1) REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep spindles (Stage 2) –Bursts of rapid rhythmic brain activity –Lasts about 20 minutes Delta Waves (Stage 3 & 4) –Deep sleep –Slow waves –Lasts about 30 minutes

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. What is REM Sleep? (Rapid Eye Movement ) What happens to me during REM sleep? –Dreaming –Helps consolidate memories –Sexual (genital) arousal 90 Minute cycle More in infants than adults

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. What happens in a typical nights sleep?

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. Do you remember? When do alpha and delta waves occur? How do you feel when you are in an alpha wave state? What are sleep spindles? –When do they occur? What happens during REM sleep? –How long is the REM sleep cycle?

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. Sleep Disorders Insomnia –Persistent trouble falling or staying asleep Narcolepsy –Sleep (seizure) –Falling asleep immediately for about 5 minutes –May occur at many inopportune (or serious) times (e.g. having sex)

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. Sleep Disorders (Cont.) Sleep apnea –You stop breathing while asleep –Snort air and fall back asleep Night Terrors –Mostly children –Appear terrified - sits up or walks around –Usually remembers little or nothing the next morning.

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. Sleep & the life cycle

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. Do you remember? What is the difference between insomnia and narcolepsy? You are 56 years old, and weigh 224 pounds. Are you more apt to have sleep apnea or night terrors? Why? Do you have more or less REM sleep than your baby brother?

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. What is hypnosis? A relaxed state in which the hypnotist suggests certain perceptions and feelings or thoughts. Some people may be more susceptible to being hypnotized than others. –Particularly if they strongly believe they can be hypnotized. You can not be hypnotized against your will.

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. What is a posthypnotic suggestion? Suggestions given during hypnosis that you will act a certain way after the session. –Cigarettes or weight loss

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. What is the social influence theory of hypnosis? Are hypnotized subjects simply acting out the role of a good hypnotic subject? E.g. Both hypnotized and un-hypnotized subjects acted the same when asked to throw acid in an experimenter’s face.

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D. Do you remember? Can you be hypnotized against your will? How does a posthypnotic suggestion work for Bill who smokes? What is the social influence theory of hypnosis? Can you tell the difference between hypnotized and unhypnotized subjects?

© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.