• Rasch Björn

• Rasch Björn

The course offers an introduction to the topics of sleep and the prevention of sleep disorders. The basic principles as well as the empirical research results and critical factors that modulate sleep are explained and discussed. Different sleep disorders will be introduced, and principles and effectiveness of different treatment interventions will be presented and discussed. As specific focus of the course is on the possible prevention of mental disorders by improving sleep quality.

The aim of the event is for students to receive an introduction and initial overview of the fields of sleep and the prevention of sleep disorders and to understand their basic principles. 

The following topics are covered:

Sleep: Introduction

Sleep regulation and neuronal mechanisms

Circadian rhythms and chronobiology

Changes in sleep across the life span

The role of sleep in our physical and mental health

Introduction to sleep disorders

Treatment of sleep disorders

The concept of “Sleep Health”

The concept of “Lifestyle Medicine” or “Lifestyle Psychiatry”

The role of exercise, social interactions and nutrition for sleep and prevention of mental illnesses

Introduction in the prevention of sleep disorders and mental disorders

Development of overviews and concepts for the improvement of sleep in different domains.

The evaluation of the students is based on active participation, an oral presentation and writing of an essay (group work). The course is taught in presence. All events are recorded and made available to students online.

The aim of the event is for students to receive an introduction and initial overview of the fields of sleep and the prevention of sleep disorders and to understand their basic principles. 

The first course will start in the second week of the semester (24.9.2025)

Albakri et al., 2021. Sleep Health Promotion Interventions and Their Effectiveness: An Umbrella Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health, May 21;18(11):5533.  doi: 10.3390/ijerph18115533.

Firth et al., 2020. A meta-review of "lifestyle psychiatry": the role of exercise, smoking, diet and sleep in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. World Psychiatry, Oct;19(3):360-380.  doi: 10.1002/wps.20773.

Parkinson et al., 2023. Lifestyle Medicine: Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Disease. Med Clin North Am. Nov;107(6):1109-1120.  doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.06.007.

Tononi and Cirelli 2008. Is Sleep essential?  Aug 26;6(8):e216.  doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0060216.

Vorster et al., 2024. Sleep health. Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8010008