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Updated: May 20, 2025

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
The beneficial influence of night-shift napping on brain core cognition networks in nurses experiencing sleep
Xiao-Hong Zhang1, Hui-Wei Huang1, Jing-Yi Zeng1
1Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
Purpose:
This study investigated the restorative effects of napping on cognitive brain networks in night-shift nurses experiencing sleep deprivation (SD).
Methods:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging data and neurocognitive assessments were collected from 20 nurses during three sessions (rested wakefulness (RW), SD, and night-shift napping (NS-NAP)). Functional connectivity (FC) was performed in three core cognitive networks, including the default-mode network (DMN), central executive network (CEN), and salience network (SN).
Results:
The SD session showed decreased FC across almost the entire DMN, while only showed increased FC in several key nodes of the CEN and SN. Napping partially mitigated SD-related FC alterations within the DMN and essentially restored FC abnormities in both the CEN and SN. Changes in neurocognitive performance observed between SD and NS-NAP sessions were correlated with alterations in FC within the DMN.
Conclusion:
The functional integration of core neurocognitive networks can be restored to varying degrees through appropriate NS-NAP practices, potentially improving neurocognitive performance in nurses experiencing SD.
Clinical Trial Number:
not applicable.
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