Knowledge

The student...

can explain historical and modern theories, models and studies concerning sleep, dreams and circadian rhythm
can describe the relationship between sleep and various cognitive functions, such as how coordination and decision making are affected by sleep deprivation
can explain measurement methods, regulation and brain physiology in relation to sleep, dreams, hypnosis and dissociation
can explain the most important theories of the meaning and function of dreams
can describe the main sleep problems such as insomnia, hypersomnia, sleep phase disorders, parasomnia and sleep paralysis
can explain how altered states of consciousness may be positive, such as hypnosis to relieve pain, or negative, such as sleep paralysis
can explain different states of consciousness and their relationship to other psychological factors, such as the link between stress and nightmares, and between hypnosis and pain
can explain different types of sleep problems that occur in mental disorders, such as sleep patterns in bipolar disorder or early awakening in depression
can describe the normal development of sleep throughout life and individual differences in sleep and circadian rhythm
can explain quantitative and qualitative similarities and differences in different states of consciousness such as dreaming, sleep, hypnosis, sleep paralysis and dissociation
can describe physiological, emotional, medicinal and contextual factors that affect sleep and how this knowledge can be used to improve sleep

Skills

The student...

can identify and analyse factors that affect sleep quality and sleep patterns
can keep a record of sleep and the content of dreams
can present a written account of basic models, theory and research in the field of sleep and dreams
can provide advice on improving sleep quality and sleep patterns

General competence

The student...

can evaluate and discuss how sleep affects our physical and mental health
can reflect on the interaction between sleep and cognitive, emotional and behavioural factors
can evaluate and reflect on how sleep and sleep quality may have implications for society, such as the socioeconomic consequences of sick leave due to sleep problems or road accidents due to inadequate sleep

Subject description 7109

Sleep, Dreams, Hypnosis and Altered States of Consciousness