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Ralph Lydic, Ph.D.
and
Helen Baghdoyan, Ph.D.
The objective of this course is to give students the most up-to-date information on the biological, personal, and societal relevance of sleep. Personal relevance is emphasized by the fact that the single best predictor of daytime performance is the quality of the previous night's sleep. The brain actively generates sleep, and the first section of the course is an overview of the neurobiological basis of sleep control. The course provides cellular-level understanding of how sleep deprivation, jet lag, and substances such as alcohol, ,caffeine, and nicotine alter sleep and wakefulness. The second section of the course covers sleep-dependent changes in physiology and sleep disorders medicine. Particular emphasis will be placed on disorders of excessive sleepiness, insomnia, and sleep-dependent changes in autonomic control. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs immune function and may promote obesity. Deaths due to all causes are most frequent between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m., and this second section of the class highlights the relevance of sleep for preventive medicine. The societal relevance of sleep will be considered in the final section of the class. In an increasingly complex and technologically oriented society, operator-error by one individual can have a disastrous negative impact on public health and safety. Fatigue-related performance decrements are known to have contributed as causal factors to nuclear power plant failures, transportation disasters, and medical errors.
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Syllabus
Unit 01 - Neurobiology Section: Course Introduction & Neurobiology of Sleep and Wakefulness (Part One) - (Standard Track & Honors Track)
This unit begins with a Course Overview video from Ralph Lydic, Ph.D., followed by the first portion of the Neurobiology of Sleep and Wakefulness lecture, delivered by Helen Baghdoyan, Ph.D. PLEASE NOTE: Only the Course Overview video, and the Getting Started and Syllabus readings are required for students who have chosen to engage in the Standard Track portion of the course content. Standard track students may also bypass all content in units 2, 3, and 4, and instead move directly to unit 5 after viewing the Course Overview video.
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Syllabus
Unit 01 - Neurobiology Section: Course Introduction & Neurobiology of Sleep and Wakefulness (Part One) - (Standard Track & Honors Track)
This unit begins with a Course Overview video from Ralph Lydic, Ph.D., followed by the first portion of the Neurobiology of Sleep and Wakefulness lecture, delivered by Helen Baghdoyan, Ph.D. PLEASE NOTE: Only the Course Overview video, and the Getting Started and Syllabus readings are required for students who have chosen to engage in the Standard Track portion of the course content. Standard track students may also bypass all content in units 2, 3, and 4, and instead move directly to unit 5 after viewing the Course Overview video.
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what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines the most up-to-date information on the biological, personal, and societal impact of sleep
Taught by Ralph Lydic, Ph.D. and Helen Baghdoyan, Ph.D., renowned experts in sleep science
Develops a cellular-level understanding of sleep-related physiology and disorders
Emphasizes the importance of sleep for personal and societal health and safety
Delivers content through a multi-modal format, including videos, readings, and discussions
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive look at sleep science
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of sleep across neurobiology, medicine, and society. Many students found the expert instructors, who are leaders in their fields from the University of Michigan, to be particularly engaging and knowledgeable. The course structure, including distinct Standard and Honors tracks, allows learners to tailor the depth of study, although some noted the Honors section on neurobiology can be challenging for those without a strong science background. The material is highly relevant, offering valuable insights into personal health and broader societal implications. While largely praised, a few reviews mentioned the pace can be fast in certain sections.
Different depths for different needs.
"The clear distinction between Standard and Honors tracks was helpful for choosing my path."
"Choosing between tracks depends heavily on your interest in the biological mechanisms."
"I appreciated having the option, though I found the Standard track sufficient for my general interest."
"The Honors track definitely requires a commitment to deeper scientific study."
Offers advanced scientific detail.
"The Honors track material on neurobiology was challenging but incredibly rewarding for a deeper understanding."
"If you have a science background, the extra units in the Honors track are a must-do."
"I pursued the Honors track to really dive into the 'how' and 'why' at a biological level."
"Grateful for the option to explore mathematical modeling and genetics in the Honors section."
Spans neurobiology, medicine, and society.
"I was surprised by how broad the scope of the course was, covering everything from cellular mechanisms to public health."
"This course provides an excellent overview of sleep from multiple scientific and societal angles."
"It connects the dots between the biological basis of sleep and its impact on health and society."
"Truly a holistic look at sleep, much more than just basic sleep hygiene tips."
Insights for personal and professional life.
"This course gave me so much insight into my own sleep patterns and potential issues."
"Highly relevant information for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in health."
"Learning about the societal impact of fatigue was eye-opening and very important."
"The information on sleep disorders and treatments is incredibly practical."
Learn from leading university experts.
"The professors are clearly experts and passionate about the subject."
"Each lecture is given by a different professor, each bringing unique expertise."
"I really appreciated learning from such distinguished faculty in sleep research and medicine."
"The different lecturers provided a diverse perspective on the topics."
Sections can feel rushed.
"Some units felt like they covered too much material too quickly."
"Wish there was a bit more time spent on certain complex topics in the Standard track."
"The transition between some topics felt abrupt."
"I had to pause and rewatch lectures frequently to keep up with the pace."
Requires prior science knowledge.
"The neurobiology section, especially in the Honors track, was quite dense and difficult without a background in biology."
"I struggled with the cellular and molecular parts; it felt like I needed prerequisite knowledge."
"Some of the scientific terminology was overwhelming initially."
"Be prepared for technical detail in the early units if you take the Honors track."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Sleep: Neurobiology, Medicine, and Society with these
activities:
Refine scientific writing skills
Show steps
Enhance ability to write clear and concise scientific reports
View
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Review style guide and grammar rules
-
Revise a scientific paper or report
Compile sleep study resources
Show steps
Gather and organize relevant research materials for future reference
Show steps
-
Search databases for sleep-related studies
-
Review abstracts and select relevant articles
-
Organize articles by topic or research question
Engage in peer discussion
Show steps
Exchange ideas and learn from diverse perspectives
Browse courses on
Sleep Disorders
Show steps
-
Form a study group with classmates
-
Discuss assigned readings and case studies
-
Present research findings to the group
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice insomnia treatment techniques
Show steps
Develop practical skills in managing sleep disturbances
Browse courses on
Insomnia
Show steps
-
Read about different insomnia treatments
-
Practice relaxation exercises before bed
Mentor students or individuals with sleep-related concerns
Show steps
Reinforce knowledge and develop empathy by guiding others
Browse courses on
Sleep Disorders
Show steps
-
Volunteer at a sleep clinic or support group
-
Provide guidance on sleep hygiene and disorder management
Contribute to sleep research
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in data collection and analysis
Show steps
-
Identify a research project or contribute to existing studies
-
Collect data using surveys or sleep monitoring devices
-
Analyze and interpret data to contribute to scientific literature
Refine scientific writing skills
Show steps
Enhance ability to write clear and concise scientific reports
View
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review style guide and grammar rules
- Revise a scientific paper or report
Compile sleep study resources
Show steps
Gather and organize relevant research materials for future reference
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search databases for sleep-related studies
- Review abstracts and select relevant articles
- Organize articles by topic or research question
Engage in peer discussion
Show steps
Exchange ideas and learn from diverse perspectives
Browse courses on
Sleep Disorders
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group with classmates
- Discuss assigned readings and case studies
- Present research findings to the group
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice insomnia treatment techniques
Show steps
Develop practical skills in managing sleep disturbances
Browse courses on
Insomnia
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read about different insomnia treatments
- Practice relaxation exercises before bed
Mentor students or individuals with sleep-related concerns
Show steps
Reinforce knowledge and develop empathy by guiding others
Browse courses on
Sleep Disorders
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Volunteer at a sleep clinic or support group
- Provide guidance on sleep hygiene and disorder management
Contribute to sleep research
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience in data collection and analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a research project or contribute to existing studies
- Collect data using surveys or sleep monitoring devices
- Analyze and interpret data to contribute to scientific literature
Career center
Learners who complete Sleep: Neurobiology, Medicine, and Society will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sleep Technologist
Sleep Technologist
A Sleep Technologist plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the medical and societal implications of sleep disorders. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Sleep Technologist, as you will need to be able to understand and interpret the results of sleep studies and develop treatment plans for patients with sleep disorders.
Neurologist
Neurologist
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, which will be essential for your success as a Neurologist. You will need to be able to understand the complex interactions between the brain and the body, and how these interactions can affect sleep and wakefulness.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the relationship between sleep and psychiatric disorders. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Psychiatrist, as you will need to be able to understand how sleep disorders can affect mental health, and how mental health disorders can affect sleep.
Pediatrician
Pediatrician
Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the unique sleep needs of children. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Pediatrician, as you will need to be able to diagnose and treat sleep disorders in children, and to provide guidance to parents on how to promote healthy sleep habits in their children.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the impact of sleep disorders on daily functioning. This knowledge will be essential for your success as an Occupational Therapist, as you will need to be able to assess the impact of sleep disorders on your clients, and to develop treatment plans to help them improve their sleep and overall function.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications and providing information about their use. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the effects of medications on sleep. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Pharmacist, as you will need to be able to advise patients on the potential effects of medications on their sleep, and to recommend non-pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the assessment and management of sleep disorders. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Registered Nurse, as you will need to be able to assess and manage sleep disorders in your patients, and to provide education and support to patients and their families.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people to cope with difficult life situations, such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the impact of sleep disorders on mental health and well-being. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Social Worker, as you will need to be able to assess the impact of sleep disorders on your clients, and to develop treatment plans to help them improve their sleep and overall well-being.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Health Educator, as you will need to be able to educate people about the importance of sleep, and to develop and implement programs to promote healthy sleep habits.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write and report on news and current events. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the societal implications of sleep disorders. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Journalist, as you will need to be able to write and report on the latest developments in sleep research, and to educate the public about the importance of sleep.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues, and make recommendations for policy changes. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the societal implications of sleep disorders. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Policy Analyst, as you will need to be able to understand the impact of sleep disorders on public health and safety, and to develop policy recommendations to address these issues.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including science, math, and social studies. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the importance of sleep for learning and memory. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Teacher, as you will need to be able to understand the impact of sleep on your students' learning, and to create a classroom environment that promotes healthy sleep habits.
Ergonomist
Ergonomist
Ergonomists design workspaces and products to be safe and comfortable for users. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the impact of work environment on sleep. This knowledge will be essential for your success as an Ergonomist, as you will need to be able to understand the impact of work environment on sleep, and to design workspaces that promote healthy sleep habits.
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designers design lighting systems for a variety of spaces, including homes, offices, and public buildings. This course can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the impact of light on sleep. This knowledge will be essential for your success as a Lighting Designer, as you will need to be able to understand the impact of light on sleep, and to design lighting systems that promote healthy sleep habits.
Architect
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for you as an Architect, as it can help you build a foundation in the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, as well as the impact of building design on sleep. This knowledge can be useful for designing buildings that promote healthy sleep habits.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ouosou/sleep
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Sleep: Neurobiology, Medicine, and Society.
Is an extensive reference on sleep medicine, covering the neurobiology and physiology of sleep, sleep disorders, and the treatment of sleep problems. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of sleep medicine. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, sleep disorders medicine, and the societal relevance of sleep.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of sleep and sleep disorders. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of sleep medicine.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of sleep research and clinical practice. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to the course, including the neurobiology of sleep and wakefulness, sleep disorders medicine, and the societal relevance of sleep.
Provides an overview of behavioral sleep medicine, including the assessment and treatment of sleep disorders. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of sleep medicine.
Save
Provides an overview of the relationship between sleep and health. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of public health.
Save
Provides an overview of the relationship between sleep and society. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of public health.
Provides an overview of the relationship between sleep and aging. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of geriatrics.
Provides an overview of the relationship between sleep and performance. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of sports psychology.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ouosou/sleep
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Rating
4.8
Effort
Approx. 21 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructors
Ralph Lydic, Ph.D.
Helen Baghdoyan, Ph.D.
Language
English
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