Unit 1

• Consciousness


  being aware and able to perceive thoughts, feelings, or surroundings
• Circadian Rhythm


  the internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle
• Jet Lag


  temporary disruption of the internal clock due to travel across multiple time zones
• Shift Work

  a disruption in the internal clock due to frequent changes in work shifts
• NREM Stage 1

  1st stage of non-rapid eye movement; Drifting in and out of sleep
• NREM Stage 2

  2nd stage of non-rapid eye movement; Light sleep
• NREM Stage 3

  3rd and deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement; A state of deep slumber
• REM Sleep

  a stage of sleep characterized by vivid dreams and muscle paralysis
• REM Rebound

  the phenomenon where the body increases the time spent in REM
• Activation Synthesis (Dreams)


  a theory that dreams are the result of random neural activity in the brainstem during REM sleep
• Consolidation Theory (Dreams)


  a theory that dreams play a role in memory consolidation and processing of memory
• Insomnia


  difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and experiencing restorative sleep
• Narcolepsy


  excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes of muscle weakness, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations
• Sleep Apnea


  pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

  individuals may act out their dreams during REM sleep
• Somnambulism

  walking or performing activities during non-REM sleep stages
• Psychoactive Drugs


  substances that can alter brain function
• Agonists

  substances that bind to a neurotransmitter and mimic their effects
• Antagonists

  substances that bind to a neurotransmitter and block its effects
• Reuptake Inhibitors

  medications that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by sending a neuron
• Stimulants


  drugs that increase neural activity and arousal
• Caffeine


  a natural stimulant in coffee, tea, and some sodas
• Cocaine


  blocks the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin
• Depressants


  slow down neural activity and bodily functions
• Alcohol


  slows down neural activity in the central nervous system