What is alter state of consciousness?

An altered state of consciousness (ASC) refers to a significant change in mental state characterized by variations in perception, cognition, emotion, and sense of self. ASCs can occur naturally, such as during sleep or daydreaming, or be induced through practices like meditation, hypnosis, or the use of psychoactive substances. These states can lead to unique experiences, including enhanced creativity, spiritual insights, or altered perceptions of time and reality. Understanding ASCs is important in fields like psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality.