- #1
KLscilevothma
- 315
- 0
Is there any study showing that sleeping too little for a period of time, say a few months, lowers a person's IQ ?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the potential impact of sleep deprivation on IQ, exploring whether a lack of sleep over an extended period can lead to a decrease in cognitive abilities. Participants share personal insights, anecdotal evidence, and references to scientific studies related to sleep deprivation and cognitive performance.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions if there are studies showing that prolonged sleep deprivation can lower IQ.
- Another participant asserts that it is logical to conclude that sleep deprivation would reduce IQ based on personal experience.
- A different viewpoint suggests that if sleep deprivation can lead to death, then a loss of IQ must occur at some point during that process.
- A participant humorously notes that parents often experience cognitive decline due to sleep deprivation, implying a connection between lack of sleep and brain function.
- It is proposed that the brain, like other body parts, requires sleep for recovery and optimal functioning, with an emphasis on the importance of sleep for cognitive health.
- A participant provides details about a specific study examining the effects of total sleep deprivation on cognitive performance and brain function, outlining the study's design and eligibility criteria.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views on the relationship between sleep deprivation and IQ, with no consensus reached. Some rely on personal logic and anecdotal evidence, while others reference scientific studies, indicating a mix of exploratory reasoning and contested opinions.
Contextual Notes
Some claims are based on personal experiences or anecdotal evidence, while others reference scientific studies without providing specific results or conclusions. The discussion does not resolve the complexities surrounding the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the effects of sleep on cognitive function, parents experiencing sleep deprivation, and those looking for insights into related scientific research.
- #2
Monique
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Science Advisor
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I don't need a study to show me that, I have proven myself correct in that regard it is very logical that it would reduce the IQ.
- #3
nautica
Well, if a person can die due to sleep deprivation, I am sure loss of IQ occurs somewhere in between.
Nautica
Nautica
- #4
Phobos
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 1,958
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I don't know of a scientific study about it, but just ask any parent. The brain turns to mush after you have kids. 
- #5
nautica
The brain is no different than anyother part of the body, it needs sleep to recover and function. Except that maybe sleep is more important to the brain.
Are there studies about sleep deprivation? I am sure there are 1000's
Nautica
Are there studies about sleep deprivation? I am sure there are 1000's
Nautica
- #6
nautica
Here is one study:
Project Number: 030583
Scientific Title:
Effects of Total Sleep Deprivation and Recovery Sleep on Cognitive Performance and Brain Function
Principal Investigator (ie., Lead Researcher):
Sean Drummond, Ph.D
Description:
The purposes of this study are to examine brain function and cognitive performance, both during sleep deprivation and after recovery from that sleep loss. Participants will perform cognitive tasks while we take pictures of the brain with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A number of these MRI sessions are involved. There are two branches to this study. One branch of the study requires participants to come in two times a day at the same times for five consecutive days to undergo various tests of attention and memory, as well as functional brain imaging, in order to determine how repeated testing affects measures of brain function. No sleep deprivation is involved in this part.The other branch of the study also involves 2 brain scans per day for 5 days, but additionally involves staying in the laboratory for 6 consecutive nights and 5 consecutive days. During this time you will sleep some nights and be sleep deprived (not allowed to sleep at all) on other nights. The purpose of this branch is to see how the brain reacts to sleep, a lack of sleep, and recovery sleep after sleep loss. Volunteers may only participate in one of the two branches of the study.
This project accepts normal volunteers
Please Note: This study requires an INPATIENT stay (ie., hospitalization).
Eligibility criteria:
Gender: Both males and females are eligible to participate. Minimum age: 18. Maximum age: 39. Gender: Both males and females are eligible to participate. Minimum age: 18. Maximum age: 39. Must be right handed and a native english speaker. Must be in good physical and psychological health.
Exclusions (conditions which would prevent a volunteer from participating in this study):
Current or recent use of tobacco products. Current use of illegal recreational drugs. Left handed. Sleep problems.
Location:
VA Medical Center, La Jolla (next to UCSD campus)
Compensation:
$300 (no hospital stays, no sleep deprivation) or $1000 (hospital stays and sleep deprivation)
For further information about this study, please contact:
Jen or Matt
Phone:
858-642-1259 or 858-642-3192
Project Number: 030583
Scientific Title:
Effects of Total Sleep Deprivation and Recovery Sleep on Cognitive Performance and Brain Function
Principal Investigator (ie., Lead Researcher):
Sean Drummond, Ph.D
Description:
The purposes of this study are to examine brain function and cognitive performance, both during sleep deprivation and after recovery from that sleep loss. Participants will perform cognitive tasks while we take pictures of the brain with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A number of these MRI sessions are involved. There are two branches to this study. One branch of the study requires participants to come in two times a day at the same times for five consecutive days to undergo various tests of attention and memory, as well as functional brain imaging, in order to determine how repeated testing affects measures of brain function. No sleep deprivation is involved in this part.The other branch of the study also involves 2 brain scans per day for 5 days, but additionally involves staying in the laboratory for 6 consecutive nights and 5 consecutive days. During this time you will sleep some nights and be sleep deprived (not allowed to sleep at all) on other nights. The purpose of this branch is to see how the brain reacts to sleep, a lack of sleep, and recovery sleep after sleep loss. Volunteers may only participate in one of the two branches of the study.
This project accepts normal volunteers
Please Note: This study requires an INPATIENT stay (ie., hospitalization).
Eligibility criteria:
Gender: Both males and females are eligible to participate. Minimum age: 18. Maximum age: 39. Gender: Both males and females are eligible to participate. Minimum age: 18. Maximum age: 39. Must be right handed and a native english speaker. Must be in good physical and psychological health.
Exclusions (conditions which would prevent a volunteer from participating in this study):
Current or recent use of tobacco products. Current use of illegal recreational drugs. Left handed. Sleep problems.
Location:
VA Medical Center, La Jolla (next to UCSD campus)
Compensation:
$300 (no hospital stays, no sleep deprivation) or $1000 (hospital stays and sleep deprivation)
For further information about this study, please contact:
Jen or Matt
Phone:
858-642-1259 or 858-642-3192
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