Cognitive functioning in adults with chronic insomnia disorder- A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Chronic insomnia affects 15.9% of the population, characterized by hyperarousal.
• Its precise impact on cognitive domains like attention, working memory, and executive function is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the cognitive functioning of adults with chronic insomnia.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 80 participants (40 with chronic insomnia, 40 controls) diagnosed using International Classification of Sleep Disorders-3 criteria.
• Neuropsychological assessments included Digit Span Test, Stroop Test, and Trail Making Test.
• Validated questionnaires like ISI, PSQI, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 were used.

Main Results:

• Chronic insomnia subjects showed deficits in backward digit span, digit symbol substitution, and Stroop Test (B and C).
• Trail Making Test B completion times were longer in the insomnia group.
• Higher ISI and PSQI scores confirmed sleep disturbance severity, despite similar anxiety/depression levels.

Conclusions:

• Chronic insomnia is associated with significant deficits in attention, working memory, and executive function.
• These cognitive impacts are evident even with demographic controls.
• The study highlights the need for specific cognitive evaluations and targeted interventions for chronic insomnia.