Cognitive correlates of circadian rhythm and sleep-wake behaviour in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients often experience reduced physical activity, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment. However, reports on measurement of rest-activity rhythm and sleep-wake behavior and their impact on cognitive functions in COPD patients are limited. This study aimed to objectively measure circadian rhythms (rest-activity and ambient illuminance) and sleep behaviors in clinically stable COPD patients and their relationship with cognitive functions. The study involved 65 male COPD patients and 50 age-matched controls, monitored over 3–7 days using actigraphy. Cognitive status was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) followed by short interbal time estimation via time production and reproduction with reaction time measurement using TimeProd software. Findings indicated significant disruptions in circadian rhythms in COPD patients, characterized by lower mesor, amplitude, and autocorrelation coefficients compared to controls. Patients also reported poorer sleep quality and higher sleep fragmentation, with 85.7% displaying cognitive impairment. Notably, longer time estimations, increased variability in task performance, and slower reaction times suggested cognitive deterioration. Positive correlations emerged between rhythm parameters (amplitude and circadian quotient) and cognitive performance metrics. This highlights the relevance of circadian and sleep disturbances in COPD, suggesting that addressing these rhythms could help mitigate cognitive decline, potentially through chronotherapeutic strategies.