Sleep: Neurobiology, Medicine and Society Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the science of sleep, integrating neurobiology, clinical medicine, and societal implications. Organized into four core modules plus a final project, the course spans approximately 4 weeks with a total time commitment of 16-20 hours. Each week focuses on a key dimension of sleep science, combining foundational knowledge with practical applications. Learn from University of Michigan sleep researchers and gain skills in sleep assessment, optimization, and public health awareness. Lifetime access allows self-paced learning, with a certificate awarded upon completion.

Module 1: Sleep Neurobiology

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Circadian rhythms and the suprachiasmatic nucleus
• Sleep stages: NREM and REM cycles
• Neurotransmitter systems regulating sleep/wake states
• Brain imaging studies of sleep activity

Module 2: Sleep Medicine

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Diagnostic criteria for insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy
• Polysomnography interpretation fundamentals
• Treatment algorithms for common sleep disorders
• Pharmacological vs. behavioral interventions

Module 3: Sleep Optimization

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Evidence-based sleep hygiene practices
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) techniques
• Light and dark cycle management for circadian alignment
• Introduction to sleep tracking tools and data interpretation

Module 4: Societal Impact

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance
• Sleep's role in healthcare, transportation, and education systems
• Public health implications of chronic sleep loss
• Policy discussions on work hours, school start times, and safety

Module 5: Sleep Across the Lifespan

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Developmental changes in sleep patterns from infancy to aging
• Common sleep challenges at different life stages
• Clinical considerations for pediatric and elderly patients

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Analyze personal or simulated sleep data using tracking tools
• Develop an individualized sleep improvement plan using CBT-I and hygiene strategies
• Reflect on societal implications of sleep health in a written summary

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of human biology
• Familiarity with scientific terminology
• Access to a device for sleep tracking (optional but recommended)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain the neurobiological mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness
• Identify symptoms and diagnostic approaches for major sleep disorders
• Apply evidence-based strategies to improve personal sleep quality
• Interpret sleep tracking data and recognize patterns of disruption
• Discuss the societal consequences of sleep deprivation and advocate for policy improvements