LESSON 19: Altered States of Consciousness :Short Question
What is consciousness? Consciousness is our awareness of our own sensations, thoughts, feelings, and environment.
What are altered states of consciousness? Altered states are conditions during which an individual’s awareness is noticeably different from the normal waking state.
What instrument is used to measure brain wave activity during sleep? An electroencephalogram (EEG) is used.
How many stages of sleep are there in a typical sleep cycle? There are four distinct stages of sleep, plus REM sleep.
What is the first stage of sleep? Stage 1 is the first, lightest stage of sleep, transitioning from wakefulness.
During which stage of sleep do vivid dreams most commonly occur? Vivid dreams most commonly occur during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. (Note: The provided text only lists Stages 1-4, but REM is a standard part of sleep architecture. A text-based alternative is: What type of brain waves are characteristic of Stage-1 sleep? Answer: Relatively rapid, low-voltage brain waves.)
What is the term for the 24-hour biological cycle that influences sleep and wakefulness? The circadian rhythm is the 24-hour biological cycle.
Name one common characteristic of altered states of consciousness. Common characteristics include altered sensations, impaired thinking, or abnormal perceptual processing.
Why is the study of consciousness challenging? Consciousness is a subjective, internal experience that is difficult to measure objectively using traditional scientific methods.
How does an EEG help in distinguishing between different stages of sleep? Each stage of sleep is characterized by a distinct pattern of brain wave activity (e.g., frequency, amplitude), which the EEG can detect and record.
What typically happens to the sleep cycle as the night progresses? As the night progresses, the amount of time spent in deep sleep (Stages 3 and 4) decreases, and the amount of time spent in REM sleep increases.
Why is REM sleep sometimes called “paradoxical sleep”? Because the brain is highly active, and the eyes move rapidly, almost as if the person is awake, yet the body’s major voluntary muscle groups are paralyzed and the person is deeply asleep.
How does fatigue relate to consciousness? Fatigue is a state of tiredness that can alter consciousness by reducing alertness, impairing cognitive function, and increasing the desire for sleep.
What is the proposed function of sleep for the body? Sleep allows the body to rest, repair tissues, recharge energy, and consolidate memories.
How can altered states of consciousness affect emotional responses? Emotional responses can become more volatile, inappropriate, or blunted in altered states, such as under the influence of drugs or extreme fatigue.
In what way is consciousness considered a continuum? Consciousness ranges from full alertness and awareness to deep sleep, coma, and unconsciousness, with various altered states in between.
How might wakefulness be considered the “productive” part of life? Wakefulness is when we are actively engaged with our environment, thinking, working, learning, and socializing.
A person who has not slept for 48 hours is likely to experience an altered state of consciousness characterized by ________. Impaired thinking, irritability, and perceptual distortions (e.g., microsleeps).
If an EEG shows mostly delta waves, the person is most likely in ________ sleep. Stage 3 or 4 (deep sleep).
A person reports feeling relaxed and their thoughts are drifting, but they are still aware of sounds in the room. They are most likely in ________. Stage 1 sleep, or a state of drowsiness just before sleep.
After a major surgery, a patient is put under general anesthesia. This is an example of a(n) ________. Drug-induced altered state of consciousness.
A long-distance truck driver experiences a brief, involuntary episode of sleep while driving. This is known as a ________. Microsleep.
How might a person’s perception of time be altered in a state of intense concentration or “flow”? Time may seem to pass much more quickly than usual.
A researcher wants to study the brain activity associated with dreaming. Which stage of sleep should they focus on monitoring? REM sleep.
A student pulls an “all-nighter” studying. The next day, they find it difficult to concentrate and feel emotionally drained. How does this relate to altered states? The severe lack of sleep has induced an altered state characterized by cognitive impairment and emotional volatility.
