A groundbreaking study from the University of Portsmouth has revealed a fascinating insight: moderate exercise can significantly enhance cognitive performance (CP), even amidst sleep deprivation and low oxygen levels. This research, involving 24 participants across two experiments, demonstrates that a 20-minute cycling session can boost CP regardless of sleep status or oxygen levels.
The first experiment focused on the impact of partial sleep deprivation, where participants were limited to five hours of sleep per night. Despite inconsistent CP at rest, performance improved post-exercise. The second experiment took it a step further, examining the effects of total sleep deprivation and hypoxia. Remarkably, even under these extreme conditions, exercise continued to improve cognitive performance.
This study not only adds to our understanding of how physical activity can mitigate cognitive deficits caused by common stressors but also opens new avenues for exploring the relationship between exercise, sleep, and brain function. For more details on this fascinating research, visit Neuroscience News.