Single-Dose Creatine Reduces Sleep Deprivation-Induced Deterioration in Cognitive Performance

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Creatine supplementation is known for physiological benefits and positive effects on cognitive abilities.
• Previous research demonstrated that a high dose (0.35 g/kg) of creatine impacts brain metabolism and cognitive performance during sleep deprivation.
• The current study explores the cognitive effects of a lower creatine dose during sleep deprivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cognitive performance outcomes of a single, lower dose (0.2 g/kg) of creatine monohydrate during sleep deprivation.
• To compare the effects of creatine supplementation versus placebo on cognitive functions under sleep deprivation conditions.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-nine healthy participants underwent cognitive testing after receiving either creatine monohydrate (0.2 g/kg) or a placebo.
• Cognitive tests were administered at baseline and at 3, 5.5, and 7.5 hours during a 21-hour period of total sleep deprivation.
• Performance was assessed on logical reasoning, numerical tasks, language processing speed, and the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT).

Main Results:

• Creatine supplementation at 0.2 g/kg significantly mitigated the deterioration of cognitive functions caused by sleep deprivation.
• Specific improvements were observed in logical and numerical tasks, language processing speed, and the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT).
• Females exhibited greater benefits from creatine supplementation compared to males, particularly in logic, PVT, and language processing speed.

Conclusions:

• A single dose of 0.2 g/kg creatine monohydrate effectively reduces cognitive performance decline during sleep deprivation.
• While the effect is less pronounced than with a higher dose, creatine supplementation still offers cognitive benefits up to 12%.
• The findings suggest creatine's potential as a countermeasure against sleep deprivation-induced cognitive impairment, with sex-specific differences in efficacy.