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The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function



It is common for adults to experience short sleep duration, and it has been found that sleeping 1-2 hours less than usual can have detrimental effects on cognitive function. Reduced sleep also leads to more exertion, poorer subjective performance and reduced positive affect.


It was also shown that the longer the poor sleep ensued, cognitive capacity continues to deteriorate and individuals became more impulsive. Even a small lack of sleep can have important implications for everyday function and quality of life, and is now becoming more prevalent amongst the younger population. Chronic periods of sleep disturbance can have links to depression which has shown to affect brain chemistry.

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