a state of ________, as shown by eeg recordings of new practitioners, is not an altered state of consciousness; however, patterns of brain waves exhibited by expert practitioners may represent a unique state of consciousness.

The best completion for the sentence is: "A state of meditation, as shown by EEG recordings of new practitioners, is not an altered state of consciousness; however, patterns of brain waves exhibited by expert practitioners may represent a unique state of consciousness." EEG recordings of novices meditating show a normal state of consciousness, while experts in meditation exhibit unique brain wave patterns that might signify a distinct state of consciousness. Other options like narcolepsy, insomnia, or cognizance do not fit as well in this context since the statement emphasizes the difference in brain wave patterns between new and expert practitioners in a practice like meditation.