Which term refers to the waking state in contrast to sleep?

The term that refers to the waking state in contrast to sleep is "conscious." Being conscious means that an individual is fully awake and aware of their surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. This state involves the active engagement of cognitive processes, allowing for decision-making, problem-solving, and interaction with the environment.

In contrast, the subconscious refers to the part of the mind that is not currently in focal awareness, often containing thoughts and memories that can influence behavior without direct awareness. Awareness pertains to the state of being conscious of something, but it is a more general term and does not explicitly define the state itself. Perception is related to how sensory information is interpreted and understood, which is a function that occurs primarily in the conscious state. Therefore, "conscious" is specifically linked to the waking experience, distinguishing it clearly from sleep.