PSY 283 The Psychology of Sleep
What happens in the brain for several hours every night when we become unresponsive to the world around us? Humans spend about 1/3 of their life sleeping, but why do we need to sleep? How do our minds create dreams while we sleep? Why do some people have such difficulty falling asleep, while others are walking or talking while fast asleep? This course will provide an overview of the psychology of sleep, including the neurological, physiological, behavioral, and psychological factors that underlie sleep across the life span. The diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of sleep disorders, such as Insomnia Disorder and Non-REM Arousal Disorder, will also be explored. Students will gain exposure to clinical psychology interventions to improve sleep, including stimulus control and sleep restriction.