Introduction To Psychology

Assignment:

This week you are going to analyze your own sleep and dream patterns via a sleep journal. For this assignment, you should not change any of your behavior patterns; rather, just sleep when you usually do, and get up when you usually get up. You must record your sleep habits for 5 days.

Sleep Journal

Answer the following general questions about your sleep habits:

1. How many hours of sleep do you usually get on weeknights?
2. How many hours of sleep do you usually get on weekends?
3. After how many hours of sleep do you feel rested?

Please select the response to the statements below that best describes your sleeping habits:

1. I need an alarm clock or someone to wake me up (select one):

Never              Not often                     Sometimes                  Always

1. I fall asleep in class or while studying (select one):

Never              Not often                     Sometimes                  Always

1. I drink products with caffeine to stay awake (select one):

Never              Not often                     Sometimes                  Always

1. I take naps on weekends (select one):

Never              Not often                     Sometimes                  Always

1. I have trouble falling asleep (select one):

Never              Not often                     Sometimes                  Always

1. I have trouble staying asleep (select one):

Never              Not often                     Sometimes                  Always

1. I study and/or read in bed (select one):

Never              Not often                     Sometimes                  Always

Record the following information EACH DAY for 5 days:

• Date:_____________________
• Time you went to bed the night before:______________
• Time you woke up this morning:  ______________
• Briefly describe what happened in any dreams you were having, or any fleeting images that are in your mind as soon as you wake up (if you cannot recall any dreams):
• Did your thoughts or dreams contain any residue from the previous day’s events?
• Did your thoughts or dreams appear to be related to any current problems or emotional issues that you are facing?
• Can you think of any meaning that might be attached to these thoughts or dreams?

Reflection Questions

Reflect on your sleep and dream journal, are there any patterns you can deduce? How can you use this information and the information from the text to enhance your sleep patterns? Submit your sleep and dream journal with your responses to the reflection questions.

Assignment Expectations:

• Length:
  • 1000-1200 (not including the sleep and dream journal)
• References:
  • no references required