When is a person said to be in am altered state of consciousness?

A person is said to be in an altered state of consciousness when their awareness, perception, and cognitive processes are significantly different from their normal waking state. This can occur due to various factors, including sleep, meditation, drug use, hypnosis, or intense emotional experiences. In these states, individuals may experience changes in thought patterns, sensory perception, or self-awareness. These alterations can vary widely in depth and duration.