altered state of consciousness

American  

noun

1. any modification of the normal state of consciousness or awareness, including drowsiness or sleep and also states created by the use of alcohol, drugs, hypnosis, or techniques of meditation.

---

Etymology

Origin of altered state of consciousness

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“On average what happens is that you basically go into an altered state of consciousness,” explained Dr. Martha Havenith, a breathwork practitioner and neuroscientist at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience in Germany.

From Salon

And in a 2013 study, 82% of participants reported entering an altered state of consciousness that transcended the self, with some saying the process helped heal their trauma and depression.

From Salon

Did the patient get knocked unconscious, see stars or experience other altered state of consciousness at the time?

From New York Times

The problem is that people who are repeatedly exposed to weapons blasts often cannot pinpoint a specific traumatic event or altered state of consciousness, according to Stuart W. Hoffman, who directs brain injury research for the V.A.

From New York Times

The exercise, they were told, had the potential to induce an altered state of consciousness so profound that breathers sometimes describe it as reliving the terrifying moment of their birth.

From Seattle Times