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Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive and Physical Performance in University

Students: Analysis.

Department of General Studies, University of the People

PSYC 1504: Introduction to Psychology

Instructor: Dr. Janette Martin-Isaacs

April 23, 2024

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Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students

Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students:

Analysis.

Sleep is extremely important for both cognitive and physical performance. Many studies

have looked into the impacts of not getting enough sleep, especially among college students who

often struggle with academic and social stress. In their paper titled "Effects of sleep deprivation

on cognitive and physical performance in university students" Patrick et al (2017), the authors

explored how lack of sleep affects the daily lives of college students.

Methods

The research used a combination of quantitative tests to measure cognitive and physical

abilities, along with qualitative data like self-reported sleep habits and personal evaluations of

performance. Both male and female university students aged 18-25 were included in the study.

Standardized assessments were used to examine skills like attention, memory, and reaction time,

as well as physical abilities like endurance and coordination.

Participants

Accordingly, the research involved 150 college students, half of whom were male and

half were female. They were randomly divided into two groups: one that had their sleep limited

and another that maintained their regular sleep schedule. The restricted sleep group had their

sleep duration limited for a specific time period.

Findings

The study showed that people who were deprived of sleep had trouble thinking and

moving compared to those who had enough rest. Memory and focus were affected, with
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Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students

participants experiencing difficulty paying attention and remembering information. Physical

abilities like endurance and coordination also suffered, showing that lack of sleep can have a

harmful effect on both mental and physical health.

Limitations

Although the study has made important contributions, there are a few limitations that

need to be acknowledged. To begin with, the decision to use a convenience sample from only

one university means that the results may not be applicable to broader populations. Moreover,

relying on self-reported sleep data could lead to inaccuracies, as people may not always be

completely honest about their sleep habits. In addition, the short duration of the study prevents

an in-depth analysis of the potential long-term impacts of sleep deprivation on cognitive and

physical functions.

Future Applications

The results of this study have significant implications for improving sleep quality among

college students. By introducing educational initiatives on maintaining good sleep habits and

managing stress, students can better understand the importance of getting enough sleep for their

academic performance and overall health. Additionally, offering sleep support services at

university health centers can equip students with the tools and techniques needed to address sleep

difficulties effectively.

Thinking back on my own experiences, the effects of not getting enough sleep really hit

home. Back in high school, when there were a lot of break-ins happening in our neighborhood,

my sleep was constantly interrupted by stress and anxiety. The feeling of unease and fear that

hung over our community made it hard to get a good night's rest and messed up my sleep
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Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students

schedule. Despite the negative impact it had on my thinking and schoolwork, no one took any

steps to help with my sleep issues. As a result, I started to have trouble remembering things and

staying focused in class, which made it tough to keep up with the material and do my best.

Looking back, there were a few things we could have done to fix the problem and lessen

the impact of not getting enough sleep. One option would have been to make our community

safer by having more police around and taking steps to prevent crime. This could have helped

ease the worries that were keeping us up at night. We also could have tried out some stress-relief

techniques like mindfulness, counseling, or talking to other students for support. These strategies

might have helped us deal with the emotional stress and get better sleep.

Moreover, teaching programs focused on promoting the significance of sleep and offering

useful suggestions for enhancing sleep quality might have helped students in prioritizing their

health. These programs could cover topics on how to maintain good sleep habits, techniques for

relaxation, and strategies for better time management to assist students in forming regular sleep

routines and setting up favorable sleep environments. Incorporating such programs into the

school's schedule or additional activities could promote a positive atmosphere of well-being and

strength among the students.

In reality, dealing with sleep problems quickly and effectively involves a comprehensive

strategy that tackles the root causes of sleep disruptions and encourages good sleep practices.

Schools can help students improve their sleep and boost their well-being and academic

performance by taking specific actions at the personal, community, and organizational levels.

To sum up, studies have shown that insufficient sleep can greatly impact a person's

cognitive and physical capabilities, underlining the importance of proper rest for overall health
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Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students

and happiness, especially for college students. By promoting awareness about the significance of

sleep, providing support resources, and making lifestyle changes, individuals can boost their

mental sharpness, physical stamina, and general well-being.

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Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students

References

Patrick, Y., Lee, A., Raha, O., Pillai, K., Gupta, S., Sethi, S., Mukeshimana, F., Gerard, L.,

Moghal, M. U., Saleh, S. N., Smith, S. F., Morrell, M. J., & Moss, J. (2017). Effects of

sleep deprivation on cognitive and physical performance in university students. Sleep and

Biological Rhythms, 15(3), 217–225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41105-017-0099-5