Creatine Supplementation and Acute Sleep Deprivation: A Systematic Review of Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Mood Outcomes

Background: Acute sleep deprivation impairs cognitive, psychomotor, and mood outcomes, in part by reducing cerebral adenosine triphosphate (ATP) availability. Creatine supplementation may counter these effects by increasing phosphocreatine stores. Methods: Six databases were systematically searched (January 2006–May 2025) for studies investigating creatine’s effects on cognitive, psychomotor, and mood outcomes during acute sleep deprivation. Results: Results were synthesized narratively. Of 160 records, five studies met the inclusion criteria. Early investigations indicate a positive trend for creatine supplementation as an intervention for acute sleep deprivation, though effects may vary by cognitive domain. Conclusion: Despite favorable early results, research is sparse, and future high-quality trials are needed.