PSY4348 - Sleep and Mental Health

PSY 4348 Sleep and Mental Health (3 semester credit hours) Good sleep is vital, not just for our physical wellbeing, but also for our emotional wellness. And yet there are ever-increasing numbers who suffer from the consequences of poor sleep and mood disorders. This course aims to introduce the underlying neurophysiology that controls sleep and wakefulness and its overlap with our mood-regulating systems. We will investigate common sleep disorders and common mental health conditions, while considering the bi-directional influence of each on the other. Importantly, we will consider why certain behaviors are considered "normal" if expressed at night, but "abnormal" when expressed during the day. And we will consider why some health conditions are met with empathy, while others are met with fear and bias. The course will culminate with a meaningful creative project that showcases students deepened knowledge and skills. Prerequisite: PSY 2301. (3-0) S