Association Between Sleep, Beliefs About Sleep, and Executive Functioning in a College Student Sample: The Moderating...

Background/Objectives: Sleep is integral to cognitive functioning, yet many college students experience poor sleep, often influenced by dysfunctional beliefs about sleep. Dysfunctional beliefs can exacerbate sleep issues and negatively impact executive functioning (EF). Distinct EF facets, including inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, may differ in their sensitivity to sleep disruptions. While research suggests links between sleep and EF, less is known about how sleep-related beliefs may moderate this relationship and how sleep can affect the various EF facets. Utilizing an undergraduate population, this study examined how sleep quality/quantity affects the different EF facets, how this relationship differs between subjective and objective measurements, and whether dysfunctional beliefs about sleep moderate the relationship. Methods: Undergraduate students (N = 212, ages 18-23) completed self-report measures assessing dysfunctional beliefs about sleep (DBAS-16), sleep quality (ISI), and sleep quantity (self-reported sleep duration). Objective EF was measured using computerized CNS Vital Signs tasks targeting inhibition (Stroop Test), working memory (4-Part Continuous Performance Test), and cognitive flexibility (Shifting Attention). Subjective EF was measured using individual subscales on the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Adult Version (BRIEF-A). Results: Moderation analyses were conducted via linear regression. When measured objectively, neither sleep quantity nor insomnia severity (sleep quality) significantly affected any EF facets, and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep did not have any significant moderation effect. When measured subjectively, insomnia severity (sleep quality), but not sleep quantity, significantly predicted inhibition and cognitive flexibility; in contrast, neither predictor significantly predicted working memory. Regarding specific predictors, dysfunctional sleep beliefs were found to exert significant effect over all three facets; this effect was diminished when insomnia severity was included in the model. Regarding moderation, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep moderated the relationship between sleep quantity and all three EF facets. Conclusions: The impact of sleep quality, sleep quantity, and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep varies depending on whether the facets of EF are measured subjectively or objectively. Dysfunctional beliefs about sleep may exacerbate the perceived effect of short sleep duration on daytime cognitive functioning. In addition, insomnia severity may account for the effects of dysfunctional sleep beliefs on perceived inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility; however, working memory may be more resistant to the effects of sleep disturbances and dysfunctional sleep beliefs. Clinical implications of these results and future directions are discussed.