Privação de sono e funções executivas em programadores

Abstract

Recent studies associate the prolonged and excessive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) with chronic sleep deprivation, with indications of worsening sleep quality and lesser sleep duration, fragmented sleep and daytime sleepiness. However, few studies analyze the effect of ICTs in adult professionals of the field, who are subject to constant and long-term use of technology. Long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation include cognitive impairment to processes such as memory, attention and executive functions. In view of these three factors - chronic sleep deprivation, prolonged use of technology by professionals in the field and impairment of executive functions, this study aimed to assess the relationship between technology use, sleep deprivation and potential executive dysfunctions in a sample of adult programmers (n = 21), and a comparison group of nonprogrammers (n = 15). To assess sleep parameters, we used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Horne and Östberg Morning and Evening Questionnaire, and a two-week sleep diary. Technology use was assessed through an online questionnaire. Executive performance was assessed through an online battery of remote neuropsychological tests consisting of the Online Attention Test (Sub-items of Alternating, Focused and Divided Attention), the G-38 Non-Verbal Intelligence Test and the TEM-R Recognition Memory Test. The influence of mood factors was assessed using the PHQ-9 depression and GAD-7 anxiety questionnaires, and fatigue levels were assed using the Fatigue Severity Scale. Instruments were applied in relation to both the pre-COVID-19 period and the current period to reduce the possible bias of the pandemic on the results. RESULTS: We found a profile of chronic sleep deprivation in both groups, associated with poor sleep quality and excessive sleepiness. Programmers have more irregularity in wake and getting up times than the comparison group [t = 92.00; p< .016; t=99.00; p <.028], mainly associated with excessive fatigue [Bedtime Irregularities (ρ = .436, p<.038), Waking Time (ρ = .457, p<.028) and Getting Up Time (ρ = .464, p<.026)], consistent with the effects of social jet-lag. Both total weekend sleep hours and total bedtime irregularity were negatively correlated with performance in G-38 (ρ = -.548, p<.008; ρ = -.560, p<.007 respectively), suggestive of impairment to general executive performance. Insufficient sleep predicted sustained attention performance (β: .467; t = 2.981; p = .006), while waking time during the week predicted selective attention performance [β: - 1.063; t = -3.095; p < .004]. Marital status predicted performance in recognition memory (β = .451; t = 3.733; p = .001) and both the fatigue index and the frequency of postings to work predicted performance in cognitive flexibility and working memory [( β: -.555; t = -3.309; p < .003) and (β: -528; t = -3.309; p< .002) respectively]. We conclude that usage of technology for work is related to chronic partial sleep deprivation, phase delay and worsening of sleep quality of professionals in the field, with subsequent impairment to executive functioning, including working memory and cognitive flexibility, and to associated cognitive processes such as selective and divided attention.