Active learning ideas
This topic investigates the biological rhythms that govern our lives, specifically the circadian rhythm of the sleep-wake cycle and the ultradian rhythms of sleep stages. Students explore the architecture of sleep, including the cycles of NREM and REM, and evaluate the restorative and evolutionary theories of why we sleep. This knowledge is essential for understanding human health, performance, and the changes in sleep patterns across the lifespan.
Activity 01
Groups use long rolls of paper to draw a typical 8-hour hypnogram. They must correctly label the proportion of REM and NREM sleep in the first half versus the second half of the night and explain why this shift occurs.
What are the differences between NREM and REM sleep?
Activity 02
Divide the class to argue which theory of sleep has more merit. The 'Restorative' side focuses on physical and mental repair, while the 'Evolutionary' side focuses on energy conservation and safety from predators.
How do our sleep requirements change across the lifespan?
Activity 03
Pairs compare the sleep needs of an infant, an adolescent, and an elderly person. They must explain why REM sleep decreases so significantly from birth to adulthood using the restorative theory as a framework.
Why do we sleep, according to restorative and evolutionary theories?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
We are 'paralysed' during all stages of sleep.
Students often confuse REM sleep with all sleep. Through mapping the sleep cycle, they learn that muscle atonia (paralysis) only occurs during REM to prevent us from acting out dreams, while we can still move in NREM stages.
The brain is 'off' or 'resting' during sleep.
Students may think sleep is a passive state. Comparing EEG data from NWC and REM sleep helps them see that the brain is often just as active during REM sleep as it is when we are wide awake.
Methods used in this brief
States of Consciousness
Define consciousness as a psychological construct and explore the continuum of awareness. Students will compare normal waking consciousness with altered states of consciousness.
8 methodologies
Sleep Deprivation and Sleep Disorders
Analyse the effects of partial sleep deprivation on affective, behavioural, and cognitive functioning. Students will also explore interventions for circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
8 methodologies