Sleep, Physical Activity, and Executive Functions in Students: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The school and university periods represent a critical phase in individuals’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioural development. Numerous lifestyle factors can influence executive functions and high-level cognitive processes crucial for learning and behavioural adaptation. Sleep and physical activity are two variables that influence executive functions and that could be modified through behavioural interventions. Numerous scientific studies suggest that adequate sleep quality and duration are linked to improved cognitive performance. Similarly, regular physical exercise correlates with neurocognitive benefits. However, these two aspects of lifestyle are often compromised in students, resulting in attention difficulties, reduced working memory, and difficulty in inhibitory control, all aspects of non-optimal executive functioning. Even though the scientific literature separately explores “sleep and executive functions” and “physical activity and executive functions”, few studies have integrated the two factors to assess their combined effect on executive functioning, particularly within the student population. The present narrative review aims to outline an integrated theoretical framework of existing scientific literature and to identify any knowledge gaps that may guide future research. It could provide relevant insights for designing preventive or promotional interventions to enhance students’ cognitive performance and mental well-being.