Sleep, attention, and executive function in health and disease
Heba Hares1, Sukhroop Kaur1, Ebtisam Abounajmi1
1Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology Unit, School of Health Sciences and Psychology, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Progress in Brain Research
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Adequate sleep is crucial for higher-order cognitive functions like attention and executive control. Sleep deprivation impairs these functions, impacting brain networks and potentially worsening conditions like ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Sleep critically modulates cognitive performance, affecting attention, working memory, and decision-making.
- Attention and executive functions rely on specific neural systems vulnerable to sleep disruption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between sleep and higher-order cognitive functions, including attention and executive control.
- To explore the impact of sleep parameters and architecture on ADHD.
- To investigate the neurobiological mechanisms linking sleep disturbances to cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- Review of neurobiological mechanisms, including thalamocortical circuitry and neuroendocrine influences.
- Analysis of structural and functional neuroimaging studies on sleep deprivation and cognition.
- Examination of clinical implications and the role of sleep interventions.
Main Results:
- Sleep deprivation impairs sustained attention and processing efficiency, linked to dopaminergic and noradrenergic system disruptions.
- Executive functions depend on prefrontal cortical networks sensitive to sleep disturbances.
- Insufficient sleep is associated with reduced prefrontal activity and altered connectivity.
Conclusions:
- Sleep is a critical modulator of cognitive functions, with impairments affecting attention and executive control.
- Sleep disturbances are linked to ADHD pathophysiology and symptomatology.
- Sleep interventions can improve cognitive outcomes and aid in ADHD management, highlighting a bidirectional relationship between sleep and cognition.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Understanding Sleep
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:07Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...