2016, Volume 22, Issue 2

Sleep Deficits and Executive Functions at Different Developmental Stages - Meta-Analysis

Marta MOLIŃSKA¹, Agata ZŁOTOGÓRSKA¹
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¹Institute of Psychology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan


Autor korenspondencyjny: Marta MOLIŃSKA; Institute of Psychology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan; email: m.j.molinska[at]gmail.com

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Streszczenie

Introduction: The aim of the article is to present the results of a meta-analysis of the relationship between sleep deficits and executive functions at different stages of human development (school age, young adults, older adults).

Methods:  The meta-analysis included 13 studies with a total of 625 participants, of which we extracted 24 comparisons regarding the age group, type of sleep deficiency, studied executive functions and their measurement methods.

Results:  Among the studied executive functions, sleep deficiency influenced cognitive shifting but had no relationship with inhibition of reactions or working memory.

Discussion:  The discussion focused on the differential influence of partial chronic sleep deficits, in comparison to a single instance of total sleep deficit, on executive functions.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports the need to conduct further research on the influence of lack of sleep on executive functions in larger studies and in participants at different stages of development.

Słowa kluczowe

sleep deficit, executive function, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, meta-analysis