1. States of Consciousness
Chapter 6

2. Consciousness Psychology started out studying consciousness 1960’s –
Current definition of consciousness

3. Consciousness as Selective
Consciousness assembles information

4. Consciousness as Selective

5. Influence on Attention
Constant adjustment in
Perceptions
Memories

6. To Sleep… Sleep – Why do we sleep?
To sleep, perchance to dream…But why?
Sleep Disorders

7. Biorhythm / Circadian Rhythm
Body temperature
Hormones
Activation of Circadian Rhythm
Superchiasmatic Neucleus (SCN)

8. Stages of Sleep Sleep cycle is ~ 90min. Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
REM Sleep

9. Notes:

10. Stages of Sleep
Stage 1
Stage 3

11. Special Stage of Sleep : REM
Known as sleep
Involvement of the
REM & Dreams

12. How Long We Should Sleep…
~ hours every night
When we don’t get enough sleep, our body remembers it for

13. …Benefits from sleeping enough…
Wake up refreshed
More and in work
Increases ability of immune system to fight off

14. …Reasons that we don’t sleep enough…
College Parties (week, weekend)
Significant Other
Schoolwork

15. … And the consequences for not sleeping enough.
Difficulty
productivity
tendency to make mistakes
Decreased
Increased
Impaired concentration, concentration,

16. Why We Sleep
Evolution
Protection
Creativity/Memory

17. Parasomnias / Insomnia
Sleep Apnea
Night Terrors

18. Perchance to Dream…
REM Dreams

19. Perchance to Dream … But Why?
Satisfaction of desires/wishes (Freud)
Development/Preservation of Neural Pathways
Reflection of Cognitive Development

20. Drugs and Consciousness
Important Definitions:
Psychoactive drugs: a chemical substance which alters perception/mood
Tolerance: the diminishing effect of a drug with regular use
Withdrawal: discomfort/distress experienced when a drug is discontinued

21. Drugs and Consciousness: Definitions Cont’d
Physical dependence: a physiological need for a drug, marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued
Psychological Dependence: a psychological need to use a drug
Addiction: compulsive drug craving/use

22. Drugs and Consciousness
Misconceptions about Addictions:
Addictive drugs quickly corrupt
Addictions cannot be overcome voluntarily
The concept of addictions can be extended to cover other repetitive, pleasure seeking behaviors

23. Drugs and Consciousness
Three classifications of psychoactive drugs

24. Drugs and Consciousness: Depressants
Drugs which and slow body function
These include

25. Drugs and Consciousness: Depressants
Low doses slow the system responses
High doses inhibit

26. Drugs and Consciousness: Depressants
Barbiturates ( )
Most often prescribed to reduce
Possible cause in the death of Heath Ledger

27. Drugs and Consciousness: Depressants
Opiates ( )

28. Drugs and Consciousness: Stimulants
Stimulants excite neural activity/arouse body functions

29. Drugs and Consciousness: Stimulants

30. Drugs and Consciousness: Stimulants
Nicotene

31. Drugs and Consciousness: Stimulants

32. Drugs and Consciousness: Stimulants
Ecstasy ( )

33. Drugs and Consciousness: Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens distort reality and cause sensory images in the absence of input

34. Drugs and Consciousness: Hallucinogens
Chemically similar to and block subtype of serotonin
Not physically addictive

35. Drugs and Consciousness: Hallucinogens
Marijuana / Tetrahydrocannabinol
Specifically

36. Influences on Drug Use
Biological
Socio-Cultural