Sleep efficiency is a key indicator of restorative sleep, and disruptions to sleep quality can negatively affect cognitive performance, particularly in college aged-adults. This study examined the relationship between sleep efficiency and reaction time using actigraphy to objectively record sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and nighttime awakenings. Participants wore actigraphs each night for 3 days straight and completed a standardized online visual reaction time test each morning. Results showed that lower sleep efficiency, as measured by actigraphs, was associated with slower reaction times and decreased cognitive alertness. These findings suggest that even modest reductions in sleep continuity can impair psychomotor performance, emphasizing the importance of consistent, high-quality sleep for academic and daily functioning in college students.
