Psychology

The brain is a complex organ. Without it we would be incapable of functioning. Conscious states help us to do our life, restore ourselves, and even overcome fears. Sometimes, drugs even have to be used to assist with how our brain functions. Sleep, dreams, hypnosis, and drugs are all part of the conscious state of our mind.

Our body needs sleep to restore itself. Sleep is part of the circadian rhythm, and our body needs an average of seven to nine hours of sleep every twenty-four hours. If we do not get sleep, we can experience a sleep deprivation problem, which causes problems such as: trembling, difficulty concentration, irritability, and even depression.

Dreams occur when we are asleep, and most occur during REM, or Rapid Eye Movement sleep. Most people go into this sort of sleep four to five times a night, and usually for a very short period each. This is not a deep sleep and is less restful than non-REM sleep. Dreams can reveal stressors, cause nightmares, and night terrors. Behaviors people can have while dreaming include night terrors and somnambulism.

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness in which a person is very vulnerable to suggestions. Many therapists use hypnosis as a way to help a patient get over a psychosis, fear, or even aversion to a certain food. Occasionally, during hypnosis, a person can act in a strange way, including acting like a child.

Psychoactive drugs place you into an altered state of consciousness due to the fact that they alter your behavior, and everything you perceive around you. There is a risk to addiction with these drugs, but often the rewards of treating a psychosis are better than the risk. A behavior often associated with drugs, and drug addiction, is having a headache and cravings.