Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Performance, Reaction Time, and Autonomic Nervous System Activity Among Medical Students
Main Article Content
Keywords
Sleep deprivation, Medical students, Cognitive performance, Reaction time
Abstract
Background: Sleep deprivation had been recognized as an important factor affecting cognitive functioning, psychomotor responses, and autonomic regulation among medical students. Academic workload, clinical duties, and irregular sleep schedules had frequently contributed to inadequate sleep in this population.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance, reaction time, and autonomic nervous system activity among medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from October 2025 to March 2026. A total of 80 medical students were included. Sleep duration and quality were assessed using a structured questionnaire, while cognitive performance was evaluated through standardized cognitive tasks. Reaction time was measured using a computerized reaction-time test, and autonomic nervous system activity was assessed through heart rate and blood pressure measurements. Participants were categorized according to their reported sleep duration, and the findings were statistically analyzed to determine associations between sleep deprivation and study outcomes.
Results: Students with inadequate sleep demonstrated significantly poorer cognitive performance and longer reaction times than students who had obtained adequate sleep. Sleep-deprived participants also showed increased resting heart rate and altered blood pressure patterns, suggesting changes in autonomic nervous system activity. Reduced sleep duration was significantly associated with impaired attention, memory, and psychomotor performance. The overall findings indicated that greater sleep deprivation had been associated with progressively poorer cognitive and autonomic outcomes.
Conclusion: Sleep deprivation had adversely affected cognitive performance, reaction time, and autonomic nervous system activity among medical students. The findings emphasized the importance of adequate and regular sleep for maintaining cognitive efficiency, psychomotor responses, and physiological stability in medical students.
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