The Cognitive Psychology of Sleep - PSY00026M
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
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
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 40 |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 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.