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Effects of a Short Daytime Nap on the Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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  • Frédéric Dutheil

    (CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
    Equally contributed (both authors should be considered 1st author).)

  • Benjamin Danini

    (Preventive and Occupational Medicine, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
    Equally contributed (both authors should be considered 1st author).)

  • Reza Bagheri

    (Department of Exercise Physiology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran)

  • Maria Livia Fantini

    (NPsy-Sydo, Sleep Disorders, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Bruno Pereira

    (Clinical Research and Innovation Direction, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Farès Moustafa

    (Emergency Department, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

  • Marion Trousselard

    (Neurophysiology of Stress, Armies’ Biomedical Research Institute, Armies’ Health Service, F-91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France)

  • Valentin Navel

    (CNRS, INSERM, GReD, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Ophthalmology, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France)

Abstract

Background: Napping in the workplace is under debate, with interesting results on work efficiency and well-being of workers. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the benefits of a short daytime nap on cognitive performance. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and PsycInfo databases were searched until 19 August 2021. Cognitive performance in working-aged adults, both before and following a daytime nap or under control conditions (no nap), was analysed by time and by type of cognitive function (alertness, executive function and memory). Results: We included 11 studies (all in laboratory conditions including one with a subgroup in working conditions) for a total of 381 participants. Mean duration of nap was 55.4 ± 29.4 min. Overall cognitive performance did not differ at baseline (t0) between groups (effect size −0.03, 95% CI −0.14 to 0.07), and improved in the nap group following the nap (t1) (0.18, 0.09 to 0.27), especially for alertness (0.29, 0.10 to 0.48). Sensitivity analyses gave similar results comparing only randomized controlled trials, and after exclusion of outliers. Whatever the model used, performance mainly improved until 120 min after nap, with conflicting results during the sleep inertia period. Early naps in the afternoon (before 1.00 p.m.) gave better cognitive performance (0.24, −0.07 to 0.34). The benefits of napping were independent of sex and age. Duration of nap and time between nap and t1 did not influence cognitive performance. Conclusions: Despite the fact that our meta-analyses included almost exclusively laboratory studies, daytime napping in the afternoon improved cognitive performance with beneficial effects of early nap. More studies in real work condition are warranted before implementing daytime napping at work as a preventive measure to improve work efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Frédéric Dutheil & Benjamin Danini & Reza Bagheri & Maria Livia Fantini & Bruno Pereira & Farès Moustafa & Marion Trousselard & Valentin Navel, 2021. "Effects of a Short Daytime Nap on the Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:19:p:10212-:d:645325
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hiuyan Lau & Sara E Alger & William Fishbein, 2011. "Relational Memory: A Daytime Nap Facilitates the Abstraction of General Concepts," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(11), pages 1-6, November.
    2. Jonathan A.C. Sterne & Roger M. Harbord, 2004. "Funnel plots in meta-analysis," Stata Journal, StataCorp LP, vol. 4(2), pages 127-141, June.
    3. Cédric Benoist d’Azy & Bruno Pereira & Frédéric Chiambaretta & Frédéric Dutheil, 2016. "Oxidative and Anti-Oxidative Stress Markers in Chronic Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(12), pages 1-20, December.
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