Studying at York
The Cognitive Psychology of Sleep - PSY00014H
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
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.
Module learning outcomes
- Differentiate the main models of sleep associated consolidation
- Describe evidence relating to the impact of sleep on memory and cognitive performance
- Relate specific components of sleep to changes in behaviour
- Explain the effects of sleep deprivation and sleep disorders on cognitive performance
- Discuss 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
- Sleep and emotion
- Dreams and behaviour
- Levels of consciousness
- Sleep disorders and cognition
- Sleep across the lifespan
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.
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.