Final answer:
Altered states of consciousness, such as deep sleep and intoxication, differ from normal waking consciousness by featuring lower levels of awareness, distinct patterns of brain wave activity, and changes in cognitive and perceptual abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Altered states of consciousness differ from normal waking consciousness in various ways. Three distinctive differences are:
- Levels of awareness: During an altered state of consciousness, such as deep sleep or under the influence of psychoactive drugs, individuals often experience much lower levels of awareness compared to normal waking consciousness. In these states, people are less alert and aware of their surroundings.
- Patterns of brain waves: Normal waking consciousness is marked by beta brain wave activity, which has a high frequency and low amplitude. In contrast, altered states like deep sleep involve different brain wave patterns, such as delta waves in slow-wave sleep, which have a significantly lower frequency and higher amplitude.
- Cognitive and perceptual abilities: Altered states can influence one's thinking and perception. For example, during REM sleep, dreams can occur, presenting a reality that is completely different from the waking world. Similarly, substances like hallucinogenic drugs can significantly alter perception and cognition.
Beyond these aspects, daily experiences like daydreaming or the effects of anesthesia are other examples of altered states of consciousness that show variations in awareness and brain activity.