The Effects of Acute Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Control Mechanisms Associated With Hallucinatory Experiences

Sleep dysfunction can impair cognition and may play a causal role in the development of hallucinations. Deficits in cognitive control have been implicated in cognitive models of hallucinations. To better understand the underpinning role of cognition in the relationship between sleep and hallucinations, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive control mechanisms such as intentional inhibition and working memory, as well as auditory signal detection. Forty-five participants were allocated to either a sleep-deprivation condition (N = 15) or a rested control group condition (N = 30). Cognitive control assessments were applied at three timepoints for each condition: baseline (T1), post-sleep deprivation/post-habitual sleep (T2), and post-recovery sleep/post-habitual daily activity (T3). Results showed significant effects of sleep deprivation on intentional inhibition and working memory, but not auditory signal detection. Findings support current neurocognitive theories and suggest that sleep deprivation may lead to hallucinations through effects on intrusive thoughts and memories. Future research should continue to explore the potential mechanistic pathway between cognitive control and sleep, to inform future intervention work. The study pre-registration, open materials, data, and code are available on the Open Science Framework (doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/28SRW).