Insomnia and cognitive performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Cognitive performance research in insomnia yields inconsistent results.
• A systematic review and meta-analysis are needed to synthesize existing literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze studies investigating the relationship between insomnia and cognitive performance.
• To identify specific cognitive domains affected by insomnia.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 48 studies involving 4539 participants.
• Analyzed data using Hedge's g to quantify effect sizes across cognitive domains.

Main Results:

• Insomnia is associated with poorer overall cognitive performance (g = -0.24, p < 0.001).
• Specific impairments observed in subjective cognition, working memory, attention, alertness, episodic memory, and executive functions.
• No consistent moderation by age, gender, publication year, or insomnia measurement tools.

Conclusions:

• Insomnia is linked to objective and subjective cognitive deficits.
• Standardization of research methods for assessing insomnia and cognition is recommended.
• Treating insomnia may enhance cognitive outcomes.