Neurophysiological correlates of sleep-dependent memory consolidation in healthy ageing
Supervisors:
Sana Hannan, Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University
Edwin Robertson, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow
Padraic Monaghan, Department of Pyschology, Lancaster University
Summary:
This PhD project explores how age-related changes in sleep architecture affect memory in older adults. Sleep is critical for memory consolidation, and neural oscillations during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep – particularly sleep spindles and slow waves – are thought to play a key role in offline processing of procedural (motor) and declarative (facts and events) memory. However, ageing can alter both the macro- and microstructure of sleep and may contribute to memory decline in older adults.
We will investigate associations between NREM sleep features and memory performance in healthy adults aged 60+, using high-density electroencephalography and polysomnography (sleep) recordings during controlled daytime naps. We will analyse sleep architecture and patterns of neural oscillations, and assess their relationship with memory task outcomes. Additionally, sleep fragmentation will be experimentally induced in one session to evaluate its impact on memory consolidation.
The studentship will provide multidisciplinary training in neurophysiology, sleep medicine, and cognitive neuroscience. The student will gain hands-on experience in data acquisition, sleep scoring, and advanced signal processing, alongside regular opportunities to present and publish findings. This comprehensive training programme will equip the student with a versatile skillset, ensuring they are competitively positioned for careers in research, healthcare, and data-driven or cross-disciplinary sectors.