Sleep is important for various aspects of brain function.

This includes cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance.

All of these are negatively affected by sleep deprivation.

A study on medical interns provides a good example.

Interns on a traditional schedule with extended work hours of more than 24 hours made 36% more serious medical errors than interns on a schedule that allowed more sleep.

Another study found that short sleep can negatively impact some aspects of brain function to a similar degree as alcohol intoxication.

On the other hand, good sleep has been shown to improve problem-solving skills and enhance memory performance of both children and adults.

Good sleep can maximize problem-solving skills and enhance memory. Poor sleep has been shown to impair brain function.