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The Cognitive Psychology of Sleep - PSY00026M

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Gareth Gaskell
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

We spend more than 200,000 hours of our lives asleep, compared with perhaps 20,000 hours in formal education. Surprisingly, the effects of sleep on the brain remain poorly understood. This module will explore the impact of sleep on cognitive performance, drawing evidence from behavioural neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology methods. Although the module cuts across several strands of psychology, there will be a particular focus on the potential impact of sleep on memory and knowledge.

Students enrolling on this module should demonstrate a good understanding of core knowledge in cognitive psychology, as well as intermediate skills in quantitative statistical analyses.

Module learning outcomes

  • Compare and contrast the main models of sleep associated consolidation
  • Critically evaluate evidence relating to the impact of sleep on memory and cognitive performance
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how specific components of sleep relate to changes in behaviour
  • Apply theoretical knowledge of sleep deprivation and sleep disorders to practical issues relating to cognitive performance
  • Critically evaluate the relationship between dreams and behaviour

Module content

  • Why do we sleep?
  • Sleep deprivation and cognitive performance
  • Theories of memory consolidation
  • Sleep and memory consolidation
  • Integration and reorganisation of memory
  • Dreams and behaviour
  • Sleep disorders and disordered sleep
  • Sleep and emotion

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 40
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
The Cognitive Psychology of Sleep		 N/A 60

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 40
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
The Cognitive Psychology of Sleep		 N/A 60

Module feedback

The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision

These marks will be accompanied by module feedback circulated via e-mail.

Students will meet supervisors in wk 6 in AuT, SpT and wk 9 in SuT to discuss their marks.

Indicative reading

Introductory Reading:

Siegel, J. M. (2009). Sleep viewed as a state of adaptive inactivity. Nat Rev Neurosci, 10, 747-753.

Walker, M. (2018). Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams. Penguin.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.