Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients
Published on: December 16, 2022
Sleep Deprivation Triggers Cognitive Control Impairments in Task-Goal Switching
Hichem Slama1,2,3, Daphne Olivia Chylinski1,3, Gaétane Deliens1,4,3
1UR2NF - Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Group at CRCN - Center for Research in Cognition and Neurosciences and UNI - ULB Neurosciences Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
Study Objectives:
This study investigates the impact of sleep deprivation (SD) on task-goal switching, a key component of cognitive flexibility.
Methods:
Task-goal switching performance was tested after one night of regular sleep (n = 17 participants) or of total SD (n = 18). To understand the relationships between task-switching performance and other cognitive processes following SD, participants were tested for other key attentional (alertness and vigilance) and executive (inhibition and working memory) functions. Spontaneous eye blink rate (EBR) was also measured as an indirect marker of striatal dopaminergic function.
Results:
SD negatively affects task-goal switching as well as attentional and inhibition measures, but not working memory. Changes in task-goal switching performance were not significantly correlated with changes in objective and subjective markers of fatigue and sleepiness, response inhibition, or spontaneous EBR.
Conclusions:
Altogether, our results show differentiated effects of SD on key executive functions such as working memory, inhibition, and task-goal switching.
Related Concept Videos
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
High-Level and Low-Level Awareness
Working Memory
Self-Regulation
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Subconsciousness and No Awareness
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...

