Sleep Deprivation: How Lack of Sleep Impacts Cognitive Performance and Focus

Have you ever considered that getting more quality sleep might help you learn easier? Better sleep gives you better attention and concentration which are prerequisites for most learning.

Sleep also supports numerous other aspects of cognition including memory, problem-solving, creativity, emotional processing, and judgment. In fact, evidence increasingly suggests that sleep enhances most types of cognitive function.

Improving sleep quality can boost cognitive performance, promote sharper thinking, and may reduce the likelihood of age-related cognitive decline.

A Common Problem

Short term daytime cognitive impairment is a common problem, especially for people with the following:

Insomnia
Sleep apnea
Other conditions that prevent getting adequate rest

Poor sleep can take many forms, including short sleep duration or fragmented sleep. Without adequate sleep, the brain struggles to function properly. Because they do not have time to recuperate, neurons in the brain become overworked and less capable of optimal performance in various types of thinking.

Many of us pull an occasional all-nighter, resulting in short-term detriments to our brain and cognition. On the other hand, those with chronic sleep problems may see a continuous negative effect on day-to-day tasks. Over the long-term, poor sleep may put someone at a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

The Dangers of Poor Sleep

The potential short-term impacts of poor sleep are wide-ranging and can be harmful.
For instance, short-term cognitive impacts of poor sleep can harm:

intellectual performance
Academic achievement
Creative pursuits
Productivity at work

The cognitive impacts of poor sleep can also create safety risks such as drowsy driving, impaired motor skills and difficulty keeping rhythm. Even some types of speech can decline without proper sleep.

Excessive Sleepiness: Drowsiness and fatigue are common daytime effects of a night of poor sleep. In response to excessive fatigue, a person may inadvertently nod off for a few seconds, which is known as a microsleep.A lack of sleep has also been found to induce effects that are similar to being drunk .

In conclusion, poor sleep reduces a person’s attention, as well as their learning and processing abilities. Over time, it can result in serious problems and cognitive decline.

REFERENCES:

Eric Sunni
DR. NiLOng Vyas
National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information

Things to Consider

How much sleep do you get each night?
Do you believe your sleep habits are helping you or harming you?
What can you do to get better sleep?