Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Sleep and Health
School	School of Psychology
Department	School of Psychology
Module Code	03 38980
Module Lead	Andrew Bagshaw
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module will be a comprehensive introduction to sleep itself and the links between sleep and several areas of health. Sleep is essential for good overall functioning, and there is wide evidence supporting the view that sleep has an impact on mental and physical health, across the life span. For instance, sleep is a process that is mainly regulated and controlled by the brain, and is strongly implicated in all psychological process, including memory, emotion, perception, imagination, thinking and reasoning. In addition, sleep has a strong impact on both mental health and health more generally. However, understanding this link is difficult because these are complex, multi-faceted and dynamic processes. Not only is it likely that different types of mental or physical health problems affect sleep patterns differently, but the aspects of sleep that have a greater impact on mental and/or physical health problems may also be different. The module will start with an introduction to relevant issues in sleep, including common methods for its classification, and techniques used to understand the neurophysiological basis of this classification. The evolutionary purpose of sleep will be discussed, before moving on to links between sleep and health. We will first introduce the evidence linking sleep and mental health, followed by the latest research on sleep and physical health, and sleep and cognition. The focus will then shift The focus will then shift to discuss the development of sleep in childhood and across the lifespan. The module will end with the latest research on sleep and neurodevelopmental disorders. Overall, we will aim to provide students with a solid understanding of what is currently known about the importance of sleep for health across the life span. Module content will be covered though lectures and discussion sessions.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate a systematic understanding of sleep and its different neurophysiological, behavioural and psychological aspects. Critically evaluate the theoretical and research-based knowledge relating to both past and current understanding of the relationship between sleep and health Demonstrate a critical awareness of current topics and problems in research into the link between sleep and health Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge on the topics of sleep and health Develop discussion and critical evaluation skills.
Assessment	38980-01 : Coursework : Coursework (50%) 38980-02 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 2000 word coursework essay (50%), take home exam (50%). Reassessment: Submission of an alternative coursework assessment in the supplementary coursework summer period.
Other
Reading List