Consciousness, Sleep and Dreams
This category encompasses the diverse range of mental states experienced by humans, from full wakefulness to the altered states experienced during sleep, and beyond into potentially anomalous or expanded states of awareness. It explores both the neurophysiological processes underlying these states – like circadian rhythms and sleep stages – and the subjective experiences associated with them, including dreaming, meditation, and altered states of consciousness.
Note: This category is intentionally broad, acknowledging the overlap between neurological, psychological, and philosophical perspectives on consciousness and sleep.
Circadian Rhythm
Definition A circadian rhythm is an internal biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle...
Consciousness
Definition Consciousness is the state of being aware - of ourselves, our surroundings, our though...
Dream
Definition In psychology, a dream refers to a series of images, thoughts, emotions, or sensations...
Dream Theory - Carl Jung
Definition Carl Jung's Theory of Dreams posits that dreams are a form of communication from the u...
Dream Theory - Sigmund Freud
Definition Freud's Theory of Dreams suggests that dreams are a manifestation of unconscious desir...
Hard Problem of Consciousness
Overview The "Hard Problem of Consciousness," a term popularized by philosopher David Chalmers...
Hypnagogic State
Definition A hypnagogic state is the transitional phase between wakefulness and sleep. During thi...
Hypnopompic State
Definition A hypnopompic state is the transitional phase between sleep and wakefulness that occur...
Hypnosis
Definition Hypnosis is a psychological state characterized by focused attention, increased sugges...
Insomnia
Definition Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying aslee...
Meditative State
Definition A meditative state, in psychology, refers to a mental state characterized by focused a...
Near-Death Experience
Definition A near-death experience (NDE) refers to a profound and transcendental experience repor...
Noetic Science
Definition Noetic Science is an interdisciplinary field of study that investigates the nature and...
Nonlocal Consciousness
Definition Nonlocal consciousness refers to the idea that consciousness isn’t strictly limited to...
Out-of-Body Experience
Definition An out-of-body experience (OBE) is a phenomenon where an individual feels as though th...
Parapsychology
Definition Parapsychology is a field that attempts to apply scientific methodologies to investiga...
Parasomnia
Definition Parasomnia refers to a category of sleep disorders characterized by unusual behaviors,...
Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
Definition Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a stage of sleep characterized by quick, darting mov...
Sleep
Definition Sleep is a naturally occurring state of mind and body characterized by reduced physica...
Sleep Paralysis
Definition Sleep paralysis is a temporary inability to move or speak that occurs during the trans...
Stages of Sleep
Definition The stages of sleep refer to the distinct phases that occur during a sleep cycle, whic...
Wakefulness
Definition Wakefulness refers to a state of consciousness where an individual is fully aware of t...