Altered States of ConsciousnessConsciousness - a state of awareness (including a person’s feelings, sensations, ideas, and perceptions)

SleepTwo types of sleep:

- Quiet Sleep - relaxed sleep with little brain activity. Stages I-IV. 75% of sleep

- Active Sleep - active sleep with extensive brain activity. REM

Altered States of ConsciousnessSleep

5 Stages of SleepStage I - lightest level of sleepStage II Stage IIIStage IV - deepest level of sleepREM sleep - brain waves similar to being awake

Altered States of ConsciousnessDreams - mental activity that takes place during sleep.

Content of Dreams:- Usually in common setting- Often about physical activity or strong emotion- Realistic time frames- Outside stimuli

Surrealist Art

Altered States of ConsciousnessDream Interpretation

- Freud – dreams hide meanings and feelings that are not expressed in waking hours.

- Kleitman – dreams are random stimulations of brain cells.

Altered States of ConsciousnessCommon Dream Topics:AbandonmentAlienAlleyAudienceBabyChaseCliffCoffinDoorDrowningFallingFlyingNakedNatural DisastersPainParalysisRainStealingSwimming