Final answer:
Waking consciousness is the mental state including thoughts, feelings, and perceptions when alert. It contrasts with altered states such as sleep or intoxication and is regulated by biological rhythms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mental state that encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that occur when we are reasonably alert is called waking consciousness. This includes a heightened sense of sensory awareness, cognitive processes, and responsive behavior.
Being in a state of waking consciousness means we are aware of our surroundings, ourselves, and can interact with the environment effectively. This is in contrast to other states such as sleep, where our sensory awareness and thought processes are significantly reduced.
Consciousness describes our awareness of internal and external stimuli. During waking consciousness, we may engage in various cognitive activities and maintain a level of alertness necessary for daily functioning.
This state is also influenced by our biological rhythms, which regulate our sleep-wake cycle and other physiological processes. Unlike altered states of consciousness such as sleep, meditation, or the effects of psychoactive substances, waking consciousness allows us to be fully engaged with our environment.