The effect of total sleep deprivation on brain activity in medical staff during routine clinical work: A resting-state functional MR imaging study

Motivation: Understanding the neuropathological mechanisms through which total sleep deprivation (TSD) leads to cognitive impairments is crucial for developing effective cognitive protection strategies and treatment measures. Goal(s): Assess the effects of TSD on the brain functioning of medical staff. By investigating the impact of TSD on the brain, we aim to gain insights into the specific changes that occur and their potential implications for cognitive performance. Approach: Thirty-six primary medical staff were enrolled, and each participant underwent resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) to assess brain activity patterns. Results: Our findings revealed significant enhancements in rs-fMRI features across multiple brain regions following sleep deprivationImpact: Enhanced rs-fMRI features might be potential imaging biomarkers for distinguishing between RW and TSD states. Such distinctions can contribute to early detection and intervention, ultimately improving the management of sleep deprivation-related cognitive impairments among medical staff.