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Review
. 2023 Nov;23(11):801-813.
doi: 10.1007/s11910-023-01309-8. Epub 2023 Nov 14.

Sleep Duration and Executive Function in Adults

Aayushi Sen  1   2 , Xin You Tai  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Sleep Duration and Executive Function in Adults

Aayushi Sen et al. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review the literature examining the relationship between sleep and cognition, specifically examining the sub-domain of executive function. We explore the impact of sleep deprivation and the important question of how much sleep is required for optimal cognitive performance. We consider how other sleep metrics, such as sleep quality, may be a more meaningful measure of sleep. We then discuss the putative mechanisms between sleep and cognition followed by their contribution to developing dementia.

Recent findings: Sleep duration and executive function display a quadratic relationship. This suggests an optimal amount of sleep is required for daily cognitive processes. Poor sleep efficiency and sleep fragmentation are linked with poorer executive function and increased risk of dementia during follow-up. Sleep quality may therefore be more important than absolute duration. Biological mechanisms which may underpin the relationship between sleep and cognition include brain structural and functional changes as well as disruption of the glymphatic system. Sleep is an important modifiable lifestyle factor to improve daily cognition and, possibly, reduce the risk of developing dementia. The impact of optimal sleep duration and sleep quality may have important implications for every ageing individual.

Keywords: Dementia; Executive function; Sleep duration; Sleep quality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Association between sleep duration and standardised executive function score from a study of 474,417 individuals in the UK Biobank. Seven hours of self-reported sleep duration was associated with the highest executive function score. A negative relationship was present with sleeping less than 6 h and more sleep from 8 h (Tai et al. 2022, reproduced with permission from the author)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A summary diagram illustrating the relationship between self-reported sleep duration and executive function and the potential mechanisms by which this may occur. SWS slow wave sleep, REM rapid eye movement, OSA obstructive sleep apnoea
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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