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Sleep and Psychology

Module description

While we sleep every day, our understanding of the function and the reason for why we sleep is quite limited. This module will provide an overview of the theories and research on sleep and circadian rhythm. Common beliefs regarding the impact of healthy and problematic sleep on daytime functions, such as cognition and emotion, will be evaluated against research findings. Students will also be exposed to current practice guidelines for the assessment and management of sleep and sleep-wake disorders.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module is set up with an interdisciplinary structure, where the role of sleep will be discussed in relations to other core areas of psychology, including but not restricted to clinical psychology, neuropsychology, social and cognitive psychology across lifespan. We will adopt an evidence-based approach to evaluate common beliefs on the relationships between sleep and daytime functions.

Through attending the weekly seminars and participating in class activities, students will develop the following abilities:

• Critical thinking (assess theories and common beliefs based on experimental and longitudinal data, appraise usefulness and limitation on published papers, and identify important yet unanswered areas for further studies)
• Problem solving (define the nature and structure of presenting problems, identify options to solve the problems and evaluate the pros and cons of the options, appreciate potential implementation difficulties, discuss monitoring plans)
• Develop interdisciplinary skills (learn how sleep science is linked to other areas of psychology, appreciate different research methodology)
• Time management (manage time effectively individually and within a group
• Collaboration (respect and appreciate the views and values of others, take initiative in group discussion, support and encourage discussion)
• Presentation skills (present ideas in different formats, respond to questions respectfully and open-mindedly)

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe and evaluate existing theories and research on sleep and its relationships with different areas of psychology
• 2. Explain underlying psychological processes underlying the relationship between sleep and daytime functions

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Review and critically evaluate research and identify the relevant strengths and weaknesses and structure literature to present logical, coherent and sustained arguments to support conclusions at an advanced level
• 4. Address systematically complex problems, think critically, creatively, and independently, and appreciate the complexities of the issues at an advanced level
• 5. Understand and apply essential principles in designing novel research, critically evaluate and analyse empirical evidence and assess the reliability of empirical evidence using defined techniques at an advanced level

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Interact effectively and supportively within a learning group
• 7. Describe your own criteria of self-evaluation and challenge received opinion and reflect on your actions, and seek and make use of feedback
• 8. Engage effectively in discussion in a professional and respectful manner and produce detailed and coherent written work
• 9. Identify with confidence and flexibility complex problems and apply appropriate knowledge and methods for their solution
• 10. Manage time effectively to meet deadlines

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Module overview and introduction
• Homeostatic and circadian process regulating sleep
• Sleep deprivation: socio-cognitive and emotional aspects across lifespan
• Optimising sleep for improve health outcomes and performance
• Sleep problem as a transdiagnostic factor in psychopathological process
• Current practice guidelines for the assessment and management of sleep and sleep-wake disorders
• Summary and synthesis

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the August/September re-assessment period. Where you have been referred/deferred in the report you will be required to resubmit the report. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%; deferred marks are not capped.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Core readings will be assigned by the module convenor during the course. The reading will be web-based and in electronic format.

Key words search

Psychology, Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, Sleep-wake disorders