Sleep/wake regularity influences how stress shapes executive function

This research explored the effects of sleep/wake regularity and acute stress on cognitive functions like memory, flexibility, and inhibition over a 21-day period using an app-based study with 227 participants. Findings revealed that consistent sleep patterns are linked to fewer stress events and better cognitive inhibition under stress. However, high stress exposure led to slower responses even in those with regular sleep schedules. Regularity in sleep preserved adaptive responses to stress, emphasizing the importance of stable sleep patterns for managing stress and maintaining cognitive performance.

To improve brain health, maintain consistent sleep/wake schedules, as this can reduce stress exposure and enhance cognitive responses under stress. While the study's methodology relied on subjective reporting and natural environments, the large sample size and statistical models provide robust evidence applicable to everyday life.