Sleep Less, Think Worse: The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Working Memory

• Published in: Journal of applied research in memory and cognition 2016-12, Vol.5 (4), p.463-469
• Main Authors: Frenda, Steven J., Fenn, Kimberly M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological Neural Networks; Frontal Lobe; Human; Short Term Memory; Sleep Deprivation; Sleep restriction; Working memory
• ISSN: 2211-3681; 2211-369X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2016.10.001

Sleep deprivation is increasingly common and poses serious problems for optimal cognitive functioning. Here we review the empirical literature on the consequences of sleep loss for working memory. The bulk of the research suggests that sleep is essential for working memory. Sleep deprivation inhibits general attentional and mnemonic abilities and influences neural activation in frontal and parietal cortices, areas critical for working memory. Decreases in task performance are typically accompanied by decreased activation in task-relevant areas under conditions of sleep deprivation. However, there is some evidence that deprivation can lead to increases in activation as a compensatory mechanism allowing for maintained performance. We conclude by discussing what is known about the remediation of these impairments through the use of caffeine and other stimulants. Highlights * The literature on the effect of sleep deprivation on working memory is reviewed. * Sleep deprivation causes broad behavioral deficits in working memory performance. * Reduced performance is associated with reductions in neural activation. * Performance may be maintained through neural compensatory responses. * Individual differences, compensatory responses, and remediation are also reviewed.