ConsciousnessCHAPTER FIVE

Truth or Fiction

If it were not for cues such as the sunrise and sunset, people would act as if a day were 25 hours long.

The only time people dream is just before they wake up.

It is possible to hypnotize any person at any time.

People who are drunk always know that they are drunk.

TRUTH

FICTION

FICTION

FICTION

The Study of ConsciousnessSECTION ONE

I. Meanings of Consciousness

A. Consciousness as Sensory Awareness: we are aware of the items we see, smell, taste, hear, and feel

We can be unaware of sensory stimulation We are more aware of unusual stimuli or intense stimuli

B. Consciousness as Direct Inner Awareness: we are aware of things within ourselves (memories, past experiences, etc.)

C. Consciousness as Sense of Self: we are aware that we are unique individuals, separate from other people and their surroundings

II. Levels of Consciousness

A. Total Consciousness: we are aware of our awareness

B. The Preconscious Level: we can answer a question about something by recalling it, even if we aren’t presently thinking about it; we simply direct our attention to it

Ex: What did you have for dinner last night?

C. The Unconscious Level: also called the subconscious; this information is hidden from us and is unavailable

Freud says we “hide” painful memories and certain unacceptable impulses—like aggression

We protect ourselves from feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame

D. The Non-conscious Level: includes some basic biological functions

Our fingernails grow, our pupils dilate, we breathe

III. Altered States of Consciousness

A person’s sense of self or senses of the world changes Examples: sleep, drugs, and medications

Sleep and DreamsSECTION TWO

We sleep about one-third of our lives Circadian Rhythms: biological clocks, govern how we function; include a sequence of bodily changes (body temperature, blood pressure, and sleep patterns) that occur on a 24-hour schedule

Sample Circadian Rhythm

I. The Stages of SleepDefined in terms of brain wave patterns measured by EEGsFour brain wave patterns: alpha, beta, theta, and delta waves

A.Awake/Alert to Drowsiness1. We emit beta waves—short and quick waves2. As we relax, we emit alpha waves—a little slower; we may experience

flashes of color or feelings of falling

B. Stage One1. The lightest stage of sleep2. Brain waves move from alpha to the slower rhythm of

theta waves3. Includes brief images, similar to photographs4. We will remember these images if we awake from stage

one sleep5. Lasts no more than 30-40 minutes

C. Stages Two to Four1. We move from stage two to three to four2. Stages 3 and 4 are the deepest stages and we emit the slowest brain

waves—delta waves3. We have the hardest time waking from stage four sleep4. After 50 minutes, we move to stage four and back through the stages

to stage one again

D. Rapid Eye Movement / REM Sleep1. We breathe more irregularly, our blood pressure rises, and the heart

beats faster; our brain wave patterns are similar to stage one (theta waves)

2. Beneath our closed eyelids, our eyes move quickly3. REM sleep becomes longer as we approach morning4. REM sleep may help brain development in infants and may exercise

brain cells in adults

During 8 hours of sleep, we may go through five sleep cycles (1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 to REM to 1 to 2, etc.)

II. Why We SleepA. For our health: to revive our tired bodies, to build up resistance to

infection, we can help recover from stress

B. When we go without sleep…1. Randy Gardner’s study in 1964 found people became irrational2. We become irritable, our eyes do not focus, we have speech difficulties

and memory lapses3. When deprived of only REM sleep, we experience longer REM sleep

when we’re able to reach this stage

III. DreamsA. Characteristics

1. May be in color or black and white2. May be realistic or totally disorganized3. Sometimes we dream in “real time,” a ten minute dream takes ten

minutes for us to dream it4. Most dreams are extensions of our daily activities

B. We often don’t remember dreams because we are unable to hold on to information from one state of consciousness to another

C. Freud’s View1. Our dreams reflect our

unconscious wishes/urges

2. Unacceptable and painful wishes may appear in symbolic form

D. The Bio-psychological Approach1. Dreams begin when neurons stimulate the

section of the brain that controls movement and vision

2. The brain responds to these random stimuli by creating stories—whatever is stimulated is the basis for our dream

◦ Ex: if the part of our brain that controls running is stimulated, our dream would center on running in some way

E. Sleep Problems1. Insomnia: the inability to sleep, usually the

inability to fall asleep at bedtimea. Racing minds at bedtimeb. Becomes worse when we try to fall asleep—

increases tensionc. Solution? Sleeping pills or a variety of

techniques (tense/relax muscles, avoid worrying in bed, stick to a routine, relax with daydreams/pleasant images)

2. Nightmares/Night Terrors: dreams that frighten us

a. Usually affect people who are anxious or depressed

b. Night terrors: more severe than nightmares, memories may be vague, our hearts race and we gasp for air; tend to occur during deep sleep (stages 3 and 4) and closer to the beginning of sleep

c. May be due to immature nervous systems; common with children

3. Sleepwalking: roaming around during sleep

4. Sleep Apnea: breathing interruptions during sleep

a. May result in being tired in the morning

b. Caused by blocked air passagesc. May be linked to SIDS

5. Narcolepsy: falling asleep at any time in any placea. Very rareb. Go straight to REM sleepc. Treated with medication and frequent naps

Altered States When We're AwakeSECTION THREE

I. MeditationA. Definition: narrowing our consciousness

B. Techniques: focus on a peaceful, repetitive stimulus1. Looking into a candle or oil lamp2. Looking at intricate/detailed drawings3. Repeating mantras (pleasing sounds like “om”) and focusing on the

sounds

C. Important in some religions (Buddhism)

II. Biofeedback: Feeding Back Information

A. Definition: a system that provides the information about something happening in the body; through training, people control certain bodily functions

B. Uses1. To produce relaxing brain waves2. To relax forehead muscles and stop headaches3. To lower heart rates and blood pressure

C. A machine is needed to perform the process

III. HypnosisA. Definition: a “sleep-like” state in which people respond to

suggestions and/or answer questionsB. Uses

1. To help people relax, reduce anxiety, manage pain, or overcome fears

2. As an anesthetic in surgery

C. Can only occur if the patient is willing!D. Effectiveness

1. Post-hypnotic Suggestion: technique in which behavior changes after hypnosis

Some people have stopped smoking after hypnosis

IV. Déjà Vu

A feeling of re-experiencing a specific situation Can be used to relive the experiences of past lives Some epileptics experience déjà vu prior to having a seizure

V. Lucid Dreaming

A dream in which the dreamer is aware he/she is dreaming

Can happen naturally Through training, people are able to place themselves into dreams◦ Used to relax and relieve stress

Is different from dream control in which the dreamer directs his/her dreams

Drugs and ConsciousnessSECTION FOUR

DRUGS HAVE A VARIETY OF EFFECTS ON THE BODY…THEREFORE THEY ALSO AFFECT US PSYCHOLOGICALLY!

I. Depressants

A. Definition: drugs that slow down the nervous system (breathing, movement, etc.); may make people feel relaxed

B. Examples1. Alcohol

a. Small doses may make people feel relaxed, but large doses can up a person to sleepb. Can cause intoxication and may be fatalc. People may become addictive –alcoholics

2. Narcotics: addictive depressants used to relieve pain and induce sleepa. Includes: morphine, heroin, and codeineb. Users may suffer withdrawal symptoms (tremors, chills, cramps, rapid heartbeat,

insomnia, vomiting, and diarrhea)

II. StimulantsA. Definition: drugs that increase the activity of the nervous system

B. Examples1. Nicotine

a. Spurs the release of adrenaline, which increases the user’s heart rateb. Reduces the appetite and increases metabolismc. Is addictive; quitters suffer from withdrawald. Can cause serious health risks and thus the surgeon general’s

warnings

2. Amphetamines (speed)a. Known for helping people stay awake and reducing one’s appetiteb. High doses can produce feelings of pleasure and highs, but the users

usually “crash” or come down quickly and become depressedc. Can lead to hallucinations (people see/hear things that aren’t real—

seeing/feeling bugs crawling all over you) and delusions (a false idea that seems real—thinking you can fly)

3. Cocaine Produces feelings of pleasure, reduces hunger, deadens pain, and

boasts self-confidence Also raises blood pressure and decreases the supply of oxygen to the

brain

III. HallucinogensA. Definition: a drug that produces hallucinations; may produce feelings of

pleasure, but may also induce panic

B. Examples1. Marijuana: leads to relaxation and very mild hallucinations

a. Can impair perception, coordination, memory, and learningb. Used to treat minor aches and pains over 100 years ago (like Tylenol

and aspirin today)

2. LSD/Acid: much stronger than marijuana, produces strong hallucinationsa. Users claim they become extremely creative, but may forget when the

effects wear offb. Effects are not predictablec. Long or continuous use can lead to flashbacks

IV. Drug Abuse TreatmentsA. Detoxification: remove the drug from the body

B. Maintenance Programs: participants are given controlled amounts of the drug or a less addictive substitute

Example: nicotine gum to help quit smoking

C. Counseling: individually or in groups

D. Support Groups: include several people who share similar experiences, concerns, or problems; useful to provide emotional and moral support

Example: Alcoholics Anonymous