Sleep neuroscience: How rest influences brain recovery and cognitive performance

On the occasion of Brain Awareness Week 2025, in this article we explore how sleep affects cognitive function and how professionals can integrate this knowledge into their clinical practices.

Introduction

Sleep plays a fundamental role in brain health, directly influencing neuronal recovery and cognitive performance. In the field of neuropsychology, understanding the relationship between rest and brain processes is key to designing therapeutic strategies that optimize rehabilitation and patient well-being.

Sleep and the Brain: An Unbreakable Bond

Sleep stages and their impact on brain function

Sleep is divided into several stages, each with specific functions in memory consolidation, neuronal recovery, and emotional regulation:

• Non-REM sleep phase: It comprises three stages ranging from light sleep to deep sleep, where most physical and neuronal recovery occurs.
• REM phase: Characterized by intense brain activity, it is crucial for memory consolidation, creativity, and emotional regulation.

Sleep and brain plasticity

Sleep neuroscience has shown that the adequate rest promotes brain plasticity, allowing the formation and reorganization of synaptic connections. During deep sleep, the brain clears toxins accumulated during wakefulness, which reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and improves cognitive efficiency.

Impact of sleep on cognitive performance

Memory and learning

Sleep deprivation negatively affects memory consolidation and learning capacity. Studies have shown that adequate rest improves information retention and academic and professional performance.

Decision making and problem solving

Sleeping well allows for a more efficient cognitive processing, facilitating decision making and solving complex problems. Lack of sleep increases impulsivity and reduces risk assessment ability.

Emotional regulation and mental health

Rest and brain rehabilitation are closely linked to emotional stability. Sleep deprivation is associated with a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and irritability, which can affect quality of life and interpersonal relationships.

Importance of Sleep in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Sleep and recovery after brain injury

Sleep plays a crucial role in the recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, or neurodegenerative diseases. Sleep neuroscience has shown that a adequate sleep hygiene improves neuroplasticity and facilitates cognitive rehabilitation.

Strategies to improve sleep in neuropsychological patients

Professionals can employ various strategies to optimize sleep quality in their patients:

• Education about sleep hygiene: Establish rest routines and avoid stimulants before bedtime.
• Relaxation therapies: Mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing, and meditation can reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
• Intervention in sleep disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnea, and other disorders should be properly evaluated and treated.

Conclusion

Sleep is a fundamental pillar for brain health, cognitive performance, and neuropsychological rehabilitation. Integrating strategies to improve rest into clinical practice can enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life. Neuropsychologists and other mental health professionals should consider sleep as a key factor in their interventions.

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“This article has been translated. Link to the original article in Spanish:”
Neurociencia del sueño: Cómo influye el descanso en la recuperación cerebral y el rendimiento cognitivo