The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Brain Fog, Cognitive Decline, and Cardiovascular Risk in Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction Sleep deprivation is an escalating public health concern among young adults, as it impairs cognitive function and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Existing studies have linked chronic sleep deficiencies to mental confusion, reduced cognitive performance, and early signs of cognitive decline. Research also indicates that inadequate sleep contributes to metabolic dysregulation and autonomic system instability, both of which elevate cardiovascular risk. However, the overall effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and cardiovascular markers in young adults require further exploration. This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep deprivation, brain fog, early cognitive decline, and cardiovascular risk factors in this population. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 300 participants aged 18-30 from Pakistan and various other countries. Participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using four validated instruments: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), applying chi-square tests, independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression to assess associations between sleep deprivation, cognitive performance, and cardiovascular outcomes. Results Participants with shorter sleep durations had significantly higher scores in cognitive failures (p < 0.01) and perceived stress (p < 0.01). Poor sleep quality was associated with reduced cognitive performance (r = -0.114, p < 0.05), and it also increased the likelihood of developing cardiovascular risk factors. Participants with a family history of CVD exhibited significantly higher cognitive failure scores (t = 5.540, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a decline in sleep quality was associated with increased cardiovascular risk (B = 0.035, p = 0.019), although sleep disorders were not significantly influenced by sleep quality deterioration (B = 0.012, p = 0.400). Employment status and smoking habits were also found to impact both sleep quality and cognitive function (p < 0.01). Conclusions This study highlights the adverse impact of insufficient sleep on cognitive function and cardiovascular health in young adults aged 18-30. Poor sleep quality is associated with increased cognitive errors, heightened stress levels, and a greater risk of cardiovascular issues. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted health interventions aimed at improving sleep hygiene and lifestyle behaviors to reduce the risk of early cognitive decline and cardiovascular conditions. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and objective sleep tracking to strengthen causal inferences. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025, Younas et al.]