Altered States of Consciousness

Dreaming

Consciousness and altered States of Consciousness What is consciousness? Cons ciousness is a state of awareness. When we discuss altered states of consciousness, we mean that people can have different levels of awareness. Consciousness can range from alertness to non-alertness.

Sleep Why do we sleep? People can enter into different states of consciousness, or awareness. Sleep is difficult to study but has been aided by technology such as the electroencephalograph (EEG). There are different theories about why we sleep. Possible purposes of sleep include: conserving energy protecting us from danger at night Dreaming restoring the mind clearing the mind of useless information

Sleep and Dreams The quantity of sleep needed varies by individual and by age; in general, sleep requirements are the greatest for newborns and then decrease with age. Sleep cycles are regulated by environmental cues and a biological clock called a circadian rhythm. Common sleep disorders: insomnia: inability to get enough sleep sleep apnea: sleep breathing interruptions narcolepsy: a permanent feeling of tiredness night terrors: happens during Stage IV sleep, may involve screaming, sweating, and confusion sleepwalking: walking or taking other normal actions while not entirely awake

There are five different stages of sleep, as evidenced by EEG recordings. In Stages I and II of sleep, your pulse slows and your muscles begin to relax. In Stage III sleep, large-amplitude brain waves appear about every second. Stage IV – is the deepest sleep; sleepwalking may occur In Stage V REM sleep occurs During a normal period of sleep, people cycle through all five stages several times. The majority of time asleep is spent in stages I through IV. Stages of Sleep

Dreams Dreams during REM sleep are often vivid/dramatic. Dreams often include everyday activities. Nightmares are exceptionally negative dreams, and may be related to heightened stimulation in the part of the brain responsible for emotional reactions. Different theories about the meaning of dreams: A process for working through difficult thoughts. A chance to interact with the departed. An unimportant part of normal brain functioning. A way to reflect on and solve problems. A way to get rid of unneeded memories. Daydreaming is idle but directed thinking. It may improve creativity and help us control emotions.

Hypnosis Hypnosis is a state of consciousness in which people become highly suggestible. According to Barber, hypnosis is the result of a person being overly suggestible. According to Hilgard’s neodissociation theory, different aspects of consciousness may become separated during hypnosis. According to other theorists, hypnosis relies on the hypnotized person’s expectations and acceptance of the role. Uses for hypnosis include: • pain management, memory improvement, forgetting painful memories, changing unwanted behaviors, achieving peak performance, revealing problems, gaining insight

BIOFeedback and meditation With biofeedback, people learn to control their physiological responses by monitoring feedback. Biofeedback can be used to prevent tension headaches. • During meditation, a person focuses his or her attention with the goal of clearing the mind and producing relaxation. Meditation helps people lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate.

Drugs and Altered states of consciousness

An epidemic https://youtu.be/nNj89ohoYQ0

Drugs and their effects Psychoactive drugs are substances that alter a person’s mood, perception, and behavior. Marijuana alters sensory perceptions, and impairs memory formation. Hallucinogens, such as LSD, cause hallucinations, sensory distortions, and sometimes panic. Stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, methamphetamine, and cocaine, can cause increased energy and alertness, irritability, nervousness, headaches, and insomnia. Opiates, such as morphine and heroin, can cause decreased pain, euphoria, constipation, decreased attention, and withdrawal. Depressants cause relaxation, inhibition release, and impaired memory and judgment.

Drug abuse and treatment A drug is abused when it is used illegally or in excess of a prescription. The risks of drug abuse include death or injury by overdose or accident, brain damage, destructive behavior, danger of injuring others, legal consequences, loss of income, and addiction. Drug addiction is an overwhelming and compulsive desire to obtain and use drugs. There are a number of organizations to help people with substance abuse problems and their families.

Activity: Round table discussion Group 1: Marijuana Group 2: Hallucinogens Group 3: Stimulants Group 4: Opiates Group 5: Depressants Activity: Round table discussion

Activity COntinued Answer the following Questions: 1. What is the drug? (ie synthetic, natural etc.) 2. How does it affect the brain specifically? (ie chemicals released when used) 3. How does it negatively effect the abuser over time? 4. How many people become addicted to the drug you are assigned annually? 5. What is the percentage of people that die from the drug annually by age, sex, and socio-economic status? 6. What are the symptoms of abuse of the imparticular drug?