This study investigates the effects of sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, health, and lifestyle factors on cognitive function. Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers analyzed 26,820 participants aged 53 to 86, dividing them into two groups for study. The findings reveal that a normal sleep duration (7-9 hours) is associated with higher cognitive scores, while excessively long sleep duration is linked to lower scores. Additionally, chronotype—particularly intermediate and evening types—is correlated with better cognitive function. Factors such as gender, age, angina, high blood pressure, diabetes, alcohol intake, and smoking were also found to significantly impact cognitive abilities. Overall, this study demonstrates the complex relationships between sleep, health, and lifestyle factors, all of which collectively influence cognitive function, and emphasizes the importance of sleep quality for cognitive health.

Raha West, Ryan Tak Chun Wong, Ji-Eun Park, Si Woo Lee, Dinayinie Ekanayake Mudiyanselage, Zhigang Liu, Daqing Ma, Liz Stockman - Sleep duration, chronotype, health and lifestyle factors affect cognition: a UK Biobank cross-sectional study: BMJ Public Health 2024;2:e001000.