Consciousness describes our awarene

Consciousness describes our awareness of internal and external stimuli. Awareness of internal stimuli
includes feeling pain, hunger, thirst, sleepiness, and being aware of our thoughts and emotions. Awareness
of external stimuli includes seeing the light from the sun, feeling the warmth of a room, and hearing the
voice of a friend.
We experience different states of consciousness and different levels of awareness on a regular basis. We
might even describe consciousness as a continuum that ranges from full awareness to a deep sleep. Sleep
is a state marked by relatively low levels of physical activity and reduced sensory awareness that is
distinct from periods of rest that occur during wakefulness. Wakefulness is characterized by high levels of
sensory awareness, thought, and behavior. In between these extremes are states of consciousness related
to daydreaming, intoxication as a result of alcohol or other drug use, meditative states, hypnotic states,
and altered states of consciousness following sleep deprivation. We might also experience unconscious
states of being via drug-induced anesthesia for medical purposes. Often, we are not completely aware of
our surroundings, even when we are fully awake. For instance, have you ever daydreamed while driving
home from work or school without really thinking about the drive itself? You were capable of engaging in
the all of the complex tasks involved with operating a motor vehicle even though you were not aware of
doing so. Many of these processes, like much of psychological behavior, are rooted in our biology.