Interactions between sleep, physical activity and executive functions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34024/rnc.2025.v33.19702Keywords:
cognition, cognitive performance, sleep quality, recovery, physical exercise, neuroplasticityAbstract
Introduction. The relationship between sleep and executive functions has been widely investigated, especially in the sports context, where factors such as attention, working memory, and decision-making are essential. Objective. To review the evidence on the influence of sleep and physical exercise on the executive functions of athletes and physically active individuals. Method. A narrative literature review was conducted, covering publications from 2000 to 2024, using SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, focusing on articles in Portuguese and English. Results. The findings indicate that quality sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive and motor performance, promoting memory consolidation and physical recovery. In contrast, sleep deprivation negatively impacts reaction time, sustained attention, and motor performance. Furthermore, regular physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, contributes to cognitive function improvements by enhancing neuroplasticity and neuronal connectivity. Conclusion. The interaction between adequate sleep and regular physical exercise optimizes executive function performance, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to improve sports performance and overall health.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Elbert Wander Cantao, Allan Filipe da Silveira Barros, Herbert Gustavo Simões, Jonato Prestes, Marcos Gonçalves de Santana, Gislane Ferreira de Melo, Patrício Lopes de Araújo Leite, Larissa Alves Maciel, Isabela Almeida Ramos
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Accepted 2024-12-23
Published 2025-01-13
