The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Function and Satisfaction with Life

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Function and Satisfaction with Life

Susan Feno

Abstract

One hundred and fifty first-year undergraduate students from Swinburne University of Technology participated in the study to determine whether lack of sleep has a negative effect on cognitive function and satisfaction with life. The students estimated the average number of hours they slept, and completed self-report questionnaires pertaining to cognitive function and satisfaction with life. The hypothesis that students sleeping the least amount of hours would see a reduction in cognitive function was supported; however, the prediction that those sleeping the least would report a lower satisfaction with life score was not supported. Further research should consider using a larger sample group and be based on more long-term objective tests rather than self-report.

Sound sleep often eludes people before major life events, whether it is a crucial exam or an important sporting event. It is widely believed that quality sleep equals better performance. It is also thought that sleep deprivation can be detrimental to both physical well-being and cognitive function. University students, shift workers and doctors would benefit enormously from being able to understand how sleep deprivation can affect cognitive function, performance and memory, and how the correct amount of sleep would improve productivity, general well-being and overall satisfaction with life (Carpenter, 2001; Groeger, Zijlstra & Dijk, 2004; Kushida & Clete, 2004).

There are a large number of myths regarding sleep, proposing various opinions

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