300233 VO Sleep and Dreams: Evolution, Physiology and Culture (2012W)

Although animals and humans spent a great part of their lives in sleep, there is little consensus about the how’s and why’s of the phenomenon. The lecture offers a general perspective of sleep, its expression, ecology and evolution; a discussion of the possible functions of sleep; and finally physiological and medical aspects of sleep and dreams. A logical sequel is the analysis of mental states in sleep. Topics here are learning, dreams and consciousness in sleep and wake states. Finally we will examine sleep and dreams in economy and culture.