Conscious Modulation in Normal Sleep - Essay Example

Conscious Modulation in Normal Sleep Introduction Cognitive processes are the functions of brain activity, including the ability to be conscious. When one is unconscious, such as during slow wave sleep, there is an absence of response to external stimuli. Information that is transferred to the brain during consciousness does not flow as regularly. However, there are some stages of sleep during which altered states of consciousness occur, like during dreams. To understand the processes that take place during sleep, functional brain imaging techniques are used, allowing the opportunity to compare and contrast conscious and unconscious functions. This article focuses on elements of sleep and cognition in regard to the activities of altered states of consciousness. Dream as altered states of consciousness Dreams are a mixture of memories and emotions from our waking hours and sensorial inner activation without external stimuli. Dreaming is a mental activity that occurs when people are not fully conscious but are experiencing an altered state of consciousness sans self-awareness. Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) are encountered daily, whether through drunkenness, under the influence of drugs, or delirious episodes associated with having a fever. When one is subjected to ASC, there is an alteration to their pattern of mental functioning, one that is significantly different from normal everyday consciousness. The sensation-perception integration Intentionality is centered on the concept that certain sections of the brain increase in activity prior to the designated behavior taking place. In a sense, this ability is similar to planning in advance, or predicting of what follows different events. This is one of the main cognitive functions, as well as a vital component to self-perception, including self-awareness. The author points out that awareness is not associated with consciousness, but one must be conscious to be aware, though it is possible to be conscious without being aware. During sleep, however, one can experience self-awareness, such as during REM sleep and in the transition between sleeping and waking up. During both consciousness and unconsciousness, motor and non-motor activities are primary functions of the brain; dreaming is an example of one of the functions that occurs as a result of motor and non-motor activities. Neural circuits of self-awareness Self-awareness is complex due to the many components involved, though it has been determined that perception is not a passive activity. The motor functions and aspects of modulation are active processes known as Enactivation. This approach allows neurologists to comprehend the cognitive activity in three neurophysiological stages. During wakefulness, enactivity begins whatever action is necessary, and biofeedback makes corrections to improve motor programs. During REM sleep, when there is no external stimuli, the sensorial nuclei in the brainstem generates internal electrical activity. During delta sleep, when there is an absence of enactivation and sensorial inputs, there is also a lack of interconnectivity in the brain cortex, which is required for consciousness and memory. When one is awake, sensorial information in the brain cortex is diverted to the associative areas, the regions that moderate movement in the body, and to the areas that monitor movements. If the received sensation does not match the prediction, the brain becomes aware and responds by either creating that something as a myth or initiating a research protocol. Being aware of establishing and controlling actions is part of being conscious, but some action can also occur outside of our awareness. Studies have shown that imaging a movement and preparing to move trigger activity in certain brain regions that can also be triggered by the execution of actual movement; indeed, imaging a movement and physically moving can confuse a person as to whether or not the movement actually happened. Conscious and sleep While one is asleep, a large percentage of sensory stimuli does not make it to conscious perception. Single neurons in the primary auditory cortex increase or decrease while one is asleep as opposed to when they are awake. In the secondary auditory cortical area, the response modulation was revealed to have little depressive effect during sleep. In regard to acoustic stimulation, neural responses were active during slow-wave and REM sleep, as well as being present during multiple sleep cycles. Similar patterns were recognized during wakefulness. As such, it is believed that the thalamus is not as effective in the circulation of information is previously assumed. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that altered sensory processing of auditory information is possible during sleep. Autoscopy When an individual believes they are awake and sees their body outside of the scope of the physical body, they are experiencing what is known as an out-of-body experience. A similar experience is referred to as autoscopy, which is similar to an OBE except that the person claims to see their body in extra personal space. The primary difference between the two experiences is the disembodiment sensation. The presence of such activities as OBEs and autoscopy suggests an internal self-awareness while one is sleeping. A similar phenomenon that suggests self-awareness is the presence of hallucinations during sleep paralysis. Possibilities for these occurrences can be seen during REM sleep, during which occipital activation and frontal deactivation occur; there is a functional disconnection among the prefrontal and occipital lobes. Functional aspects of dreaming The way that people dream differs from person to person. Some people are able to remember their dreams while others do not, reaching the conclusion that they do not dream at all. Some dreams make sense, but many require personal interpretation. Also, the dreams of some sleepers follow a logical pattern, and yet there are many dreams that do not seem to have any semblance of order or structure. Furthermore, while the majority of sleepers are slaves to their dreams, there are quite a few individuals who have learned to control the content and direction of their dreams. Regardless of what or how a person dreams, studies have shown that all dreams fulfill the elements of a conscious experience. As such, dreaming can be considered a type of consciousness that lacks awareness. Rapid eye movement, for example, is believed to be scanning images while one dreams, though more research is needed to fully reach this conclusion. Read More