Quality of Sleep Predicts Prefrontal Cognitive Decline in Indian Collegiates

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the association between sleep quality and pre-frontal cognition, and to assess the predictive ability of sleep quality measures for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in collegiate population. Methods: Forty-nine students were enrolled and categorized as with and without MCI based on the results of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Participants were also subjected to neuropsychological tests (PennCNP) and electrophysiological correlate of cognition-P300. Sleep quality was examined using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Sleep quality, latency, duration, efficiency, sleep disturbance and medications used for sleep demonstrated significant correlation with cognition (p < 0.05*). At an optimal cut-off of ≥ 8 (area under curve 0.77, p < 0.001*, sensitivity 60%, specificity 85.7%), PSQI global score which measures overall sleep quality predicted occurrence of MCI [odds ratio (CI) 1.46 (1.10–1.93); p = 0.008*)] in adolescents after adjusting for various clinical covariates, such as stress, depression, anxiety and general effect. Conclusion: Measures of sleep, such as quality, latency, duration, efficiency of sleep along with disturbances in sleep and medications used, are associated with measures of pre-frontal cognition functions. Moreover, a global score of ≥ 8 on PSQI may be considered potential predictor in the occurrence of MCI in collegiates.