1
Written Assignment Unit 2
University of the People
PSYC 1504-01 Introduction to Psychology - AY2025-T4
Cheron Young (Instructor)
April 21, 2025
2
Introduction
Sleep is a fundamental biological process regulated by circadian rhythms—internal 24-hour
cycles controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus (Spielman et al.,
2017). Disruptions to these rhythms, such as those caused by shift work, can impair cognitive
function and overall health. Kaliyaperumal et al. (2017) examined how sleep deprivation affects
nurses working rotating shifts, highlighting its negative impact on attention, memory, and
decision-making. This paper reviews the study’s methods, findings, and limitations while
connecting them to broader psychological concepts of sleep and consciousness.
Purpose and Hypothesis
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of sleep deprivation and its effects on
cognitive function in shift-working nurses (Kaliyaperumal et al., 2017). The researchers
hypothesized that night shifts would impair cognitive performance due to circadian rhythm
disruption and poor sleep quality, aligning with Spielman et al.’s (2017) assertion that circadian
misalignment disrupts physiological and psychological functions.
Methods
Participants
The study included 100 nurses (97 female, 3 male) aged 20–50 from a hospital in India, all with
rotating shift experience and no medical/sleep disorders (Kaliyaperumal et al., 2017).
Procedure
Sleep Deprivation: Measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
Cognitive Performance: Assessed via:
3
o Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Evaluated memory and attention.
o Mobile Apps: Tested vigilance, reaction time, and numerical cognition.
Tests were conducted after day shifts and 3–4 nights into night shifts to account
for circadian adjustment (Kaliyaperumal et al., 2017).
Results
69% of nurses experienced sleep deprivation, with 42% reporting mild symptoms
(Kaliyaperumal et al., 2017).
Cognitive Decline: Night shifts led to:
o Lower MoCA scores (reduced general intellect).
o Slower reaction times and more errors in tasks.
o Impaired memory and vigilance.
These findings support Spielman et al.’s (2017) argument that sleep deprivation
disrupts attention and motor coordination.
Limitations
1. Self-Reported Data: ESS scores are subjective; actigraphy could provide objective
measures (Spielman et al., 2017).
2. Sample Bias: Predominantly female participants limit generalizability.
3. Short-Term Focus: Long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation were not studied.
Improvements:
Use wearable sleep trackers (e.g., actigraphy) for objective data.
4
Include diverse professions and cultures to broaden applicability.
Conclusion and Personal Reflection
The study demonstrates that sleep deprivation severely impairs nurses’ cognitive function,
endangering both staff and patients. This aligns with Spielman et al.’s (2017) discussion of how
circadian disruptions lead to fatigue and errors. Personally, I’ve observed a nurse relative struggle
with night shifts, relying on naps and caffeine to cope.
Recommendations:
Policy Changes: Optimize shift rotations to align with circadian rhythms (Spielman et al.,
2017).
Education: Promote sleep hygiene and bright-light therapy for night workers.
5
References:
1. Kaliyaperumal, D., Elango, Y., Alagesan, M., & Santhanakrishanan, I. (2017).
Effects of sleep deprivation on the cognitive performance of nurses working in
shift. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 11(8), CC01–CC03.
[Link]
2. Spielman, R., Dumper, K., Jenkins, W., Lacombe, A., Lovett, M. & Perlmutter,
M. (2017). Psychology. OpenStax College, Rice University. Download for free
at [Link]