The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive flexibility: a scoping review of outcomes and biological mechanisms

作者：Xuefeng Sun, Zihan Qu, Xiaotu Zhang, Ye Zhang, Xinye Zhang, Haifeng Zhao, Hongshi Zhang · 发表于：Frontiers in Neuroscience · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3389/fnins.2025.1626309 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue、Sleep and related disorders、Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research

Background: Sleep is vital for physical and mental health, yet sleep deprivation is a widespread issue that may impair cognitive flexibility, leading to rigid thinking and slower decision-making. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on the impact of sleep deprivation or sleep loss on cognitive flexibility. Objective: To provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex and multifaceted effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive flexibility. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, ClinicalKey, Cochrane, Scopus, SinoMed, and CNKI for studies evaluating the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive flexibility. Two researchers independently screened and extracted data, assessing study quality using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Among the 410 retrieved articles, 6 randomized controlled trials and 11 non-randomized studies were included, focusing on the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive flexibility across children, adolescents, college students, clinicians, athletes, and other adults. Eight studies found that sleep deprivation reduces cognitive flexibility, six reported no significant impact, and two noted temporary improvements due to physical stress. One study highlighted that being overweight exacerbates the negative effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive flexibility. Conclusions: Sleep deprivation may predominantly impair accuracy rather than reaction time. Total sleep deprivation consistently reduces task-switching accuracy and cognitiv...