|
Conscious State |
Activation Energy |
Source Input |
Wave Type (Electricity) |
Mode (Chemistry) |
Neural Circuitry Involved |
Phenomenology |
|
Waking |
High |
External |
BETA (14-30 Hz) and ALPHA (8-13 Hz) |
Aminergic neurons firing; cholinergic neurons depressed
|
Serotonin cells switch on cognitive functions in cortex; top-down control |
We can deploy attentional selectivity, rational judgement, volition, and self-reflection. We can remember and enforce will. |
|
Non-REM sleep |
Low |
Neither external nor internal |
THETA (4-7 Hz) and DELTA (<3.5 Hz) |
Aminergic-cholinergic neurons deadlocked |
All systems at half throttle or less. |
Consciousness dissipates. |
|
REM-sleep or dreaming |
High |
Internal |
BETA (14-30 Hz) and ALPHA (8-13 Hz) |
Cholinergic neurons firing; aminergic neurons inactive |
Bottom-up control; visuo-motor circuits firing; motor functions inhibited by brainstem; temp. not regulated |
Severe deficits in orientation, memory, insight, and attention and gains in misperception through hallucination and delusion. Thought projection occurs. There is no censorship on emotion. Language is implied. Conscience may or may not be maintained. We are spectators with no volition or will. |
|
Lucid dreaming |
High |
Internal |
BETA (14-30 Hz) and ALPHA (8-13 Hz) |
Cholinergic neurons firing; some aminergic neurons active |
Both frontal cortex and brainstem both active; top-down processing |
There is preternatural clarity; orientation, memory, insight, and attention reappear and co-exist alongside a hallucinatory reality. We can enforce will. |
