Sleep neurophysiology as a predictor of listening effort and memory consolidation in healthy ageing
Supervisors
Dr Sana Hannan, Lancaster University
Dr Helen Nuttall, Lancaster University
Prof Edwin Robertson, University of Glasgow
Summary
This PhD project explores how age-related changes in sleep architecture influence cognitive function in older adults, with a focus on listening effort and memory. Sleep is critical for memory consolidation, and neural oscillations during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep are thought to play a key role in processing procedural (motor) and declarative (facts and events) memory. Aging alters sleep architecture which may contribute to memory decline and reduced cognitive capacity in challenging listening environments, such as speech in
background noise.
We will investigate whether NREM sleep architecture predicts listening effort, speech comprehension and memory performance in older adults aged 60+, using high-density EEG and sleep recordings during daytime naps. We will analyse sleep-related neural activity and assess its relationship to listening and memory outcomes. Sleep fragmentation will be induced in one session to evaluate its impact on listening effort and memory consolidation.
The studentship will provide interdisciplinary 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 opportunities to present and publish findings. This comprehensive training and versatile skillset will ensure the student is competitively positioned for careers in research, healthcare and data-driven or cross-disciplinary sectors.